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“Politicians should recognize that working families face a crisis in accessing quality, affordable child care," says BCGEU President Stephanie Smith, who began her career as an Early Childhood Educator. "This polling shows that it’s time for political leaders to commit to a universal, accessible and publicly funded child care system."
Vancouver (10 March, 2015) — Improving affordability and access to child care spaces are a greater priority for B.C. families than the promise of another tax credit. And the “$10aDay” proposal that seeks to increase the number of affordable child care spaces and improve wages and training of early childhood educators, is viewed as “beneficial” by 82 per cent of British Columbians.
These are two key findings from a survey recently conducted by Insights West on behalf of the Coalition of Child Care Advocates of B.C. that put together the “$10aDay” plan.
“B.C. politicians should recognize that working families face a crisis in accessing quality, affordable child care. This polling shows that it’s time for B.C. political leaders to commit to a universal, accessible and publicly funded $10/day child care system,” said British Columbia Government and Services Employees' Union (BCGEU/NUPGE) President Stephanie Smith, who began her career as an Early Childhood Educator.
System requires overhaul
“Tweaking the current system premised on tax credits does nothing to help young B.C. families squeezed between unaffordable housing and exorbitant child care,” added Smith. “B.C.’s child care system is failing working families, young mothers, and businesses and requires an overhaul.”
The BCGEU/NUPGE and many other labour, business and poverty advocacy groups have endorsed the $10aDay plan.
The BCGEU/NUPGE is the leading child care union in British Columbia, representing over 1,500 Early Childhood Educators in 150 bargaining units.
BCGEU/NUPGE is proud to be partners with the Coalition of Child Care Advocates of B.C. working towards building a quality, non-profit, universal and accessible child care system in the province of British Columbia.
More information:
A national child care program is essential for Canada
NUPGE
The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 340,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good.