Abandoned
Whistler Pique
2009-02-25
Letter to Editor: Adele Ferguson

Having been one of the many, unfortunate families that was affected by the recent closure of the infant/toddler programs at the Spring Creek Daycare Centre in Whistler, now, just months later, we have been told that the Bear Cubs Pre-school program will also close, as the centre cannot survive financially on that program alone.

Feelings of frustration, disillusionment and a true feeling of sadness overwhelm not only the families of Spring Creek, but the staff also. Only a short time ago, the centre was a vibrant, lively place full of children and dedicated teachers. Who would have thought it would turn into an empty, lonely building with closed doors on Feb. 28.

Coming from a country that provides free pre-school places for all 3-5 year olds, I find it astonishing that a country like Canada places absolutely no emphasis on early childhood education or the provision of quality daycare facilities, and basically abandons all the families that benefit from such care.

Not only have families been abandoned by the federal government when they drastically cut funding to daycares, and gave us an insulting amount of $100 per month per child, which by the way is taxable and will basically cover the cost of a babysitter for one day, but we have also been abandoned by the provincial government and our own municipality who cannot or will not help our cause.

In a place like Whistler, spending millions of dollars on Olympic venues and showcasing our town to the world, you should be ashamed that the families that are the very backbone of this community have no where to turn for the extra funding needed to keep our daycares open and our children safe. Generally, the families that use daycare are the ones who need it most - those who have to go to work to survive.

So, a daycare will sit empty. Families will struggle to find adequate care for their precious children so they can go out to work. Where is the sense in it all?