Families deserve support
By Kathy Corrigan, MLA, Burnaby-Deer Lake and Raj Chouhan, MLA, Burnaby-Edmonds
Burnaby Now
November 27, 2010

Dear Editor:

Re: Parents plead for more help, Burnaby NOW, Nov. 17.

A few weeks ago, Children and Family Development Minister Mary Polak met with a group of Burnaby parents concerned about the Supported Child Development Program. This valuable program provides consultation and staffing support for children with special needs so they can grow in an inclusive environment and at the same time addresses their parents' child-care needs.

We also met with these parents who are frustrated that their children may lose out during their formative years if the program's funding shortfall and long wait-lists are not addressed. It seems clear to us that in addition to increased funding, the program needs to be reviewed to find a better way to manage the wait-list in Burnaby and in other regions of the province.

In her meeting with Burnaby parents, Polak claims there is no formal program review of the Supported Child Development Program. Unfortunately, this review could have been initiated by the provincial coordinator for supported child development had her position not been cut last year by Polak's own ministry….

Reinstating the provincial coordinator's position is just one part of a large, complex issue that needs to be addressed, and that is the lack of affordable and accessible child care to meet the needs of all children, parents and society as a whole….