UBC’s Student Union Funds UBC Childcare
While the BC Government Makes Cuts
August 19, 2009

The BC Government recently cut the Minor Capital Grants for childcare facilities in BC by 60%. In 2007, the Alma Mater Society of UBC Vancouver, UBC’s Student Union, committed a million dollars over a ten-year span

to help fund UBC Childcare expansion in partnership with the University. Expected provincial government grant funding was denied.

“The lack of adequate child care reinforces a bias against the inclusion of women and families in the educational system.” said Blake Frederick, President of the Alma Mater Society of UBC Vancouver (AMS).

Frederick went on to say, “It is essential that child care be accessible, affordable and meet the diverse needs of families in order to have a prosperous economy; the BC Government should be investing in child care, not making cuts.”

In the context of rising educational and living costs and with a wait list of over 1500 children and a wait time of two years per child, the BC Government needs to provide sustainable funding. The AMS in collaboration with the University, has repeatedly applied for provincial funding to expand the childcare program at UBC.

Despite positive feedback from representatives, these applications have been rejected by the BC Government.

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About the AMS (Student Society of UBC Vancouver)
The AMS represents over 45,000 students on the Point Grey Campus. Our mission statement is “to improve the educational, social and personal lives of the students at UBC.” In addition to standing up for students rights through lobbying the different levels of government and the University Administration, the AMS also runs 14 businesses, hosts student events, oversees approximately 300 clubs and provides many student services and resources.