Where they stand: Child Care
Cariboo Press - Northern View
September 30, 2008

Conservative:

The Conservatives say that in addition to direct payments to parents, they have continued to provide $250 million a year to provinces and territories to help them create more spaces. Prior to releasing a full platform, the Conservatives have promised to extend maternity and parental benefits to self- employed people who choose to pay Employment Insurance premiums.

Liberal:

The Liberals promise to add to the $100 per month payment program with a refundable child tax credit worth $350 per year to families for every child under 18. Dion also promises to provide up to $1,225 per year to "Canada's poorest families" through a new Guaranteed Family Supplement. The Liberals would increase child care transfers to provinces and territories to $1.25 billion annually

NDP:

NDP leader Jack Layton says he would fund institutional child care with $1. 45 million in the first year, "and as finances permit we'll steadily build on that funding until the program is fully phased in." His target is an initial 150,000 new spaces, continuing until child care is available to any parent who needs it.

Green Party:

Green Party leader Elizabeth May promises to increase the GST to six per cent to pay for environmentally friendly infrastructure, but expand the exemptions for food items and also include children's clothing and books. The Greens also promise to "ensure universal access to excellent child care and early childhood education" and tax relief to parents who opt out of the workforce or work from home to spend more time with their children.