VICTORIA – Today’s report that Canada ranks last when it comes to public spending on regulated child care comes as no surprise to B.C. families say the New Democrats.

“Struggling B.C. parents don’t need another report to tell them that the Campbell government has failed to invest in B.C. families,” said NDP Leader Carole James.Carole James

According to a report card on child care published in Today’s Parent Magazine, B.C. spends $307 per child in regulated child care, less than one fifth of what Quebec spends.

“These statistics are symptomatic of a government out of touch with today’s working families, that ignores the needs of parents who are stressed by waitlists for unavailable childcare,” said child care critic Claire Trevena. 

“The fact that the Campbell government put zero provincial dollars into child care in this year’s budget shows how serious they are about finding solutions to the problem,” said Trevena. Claire Trevena

“Recently the NDP launched Raising B.C., a child care initiative which is strongly committed to building a universal child care program that is accessible and affordable to all British Columbians who struggle to balance work and family,” said Trevena.”

"We want to talk with people about solutions and figure out how working families can have affordable, accessible high quality care for their children,” said Trevena. “Other provinces and other countries have a commitment to child care; we need to have that too. 

Raising B.C. will be in Surrey March 26 and 27 and will continue in communities across B.C. through to the end of May. Visit www.raisingbc.ca for more information.

Carole James

Victoria-Beacon Hill

Carole has served as the MLA for Victoria-Beacon Hill since 2005.

Claire Trevena

North Island

Claire was first elected in May 2005 and was re-elected on May 12, 2009.