VICTORIA — NDP MLA Diane Thorne today called on Premier Gordon Campbell to take action on the childcare file in the wake of a new report that shows the federal government's $1200 childcare plan fails low and middle-income families.

NDP MLA today called on Premier Gordon Campbell to take action on the childcare file in the wake of a new report that shows the federal government's $1200 childcare plan fails low and middle-income families.

"A recent study shows that it costs approximately $166,000 to raise a child," said Thorne. "And just as we suspected, Stephen Harper's childcare plan falls short for the very families who most need supports to cover this cost," said Thorne, the MLA for Coquitlam-Maillardville. "The report released today confirms that low- and middle-income families will receive the least net benefit from the $1200-a-year childcare plan."

According to the Caledon Institute's report, Harper's plan will count the $1200 as taxable income, hurting low to moderate-income earners the most by reducing or eliminating their existing benefits and credits, including the child tax benefit, while increasing the taxes they pay.

"Under the Harper government's plan, families in B.C. are not getting the support they require for their childcare needs," said Thorne. "The Premier has a responsibility to stand up for B.C.'s children and fight for funding or changes as he sees fit. Unfortunately, he has been sitting on his hands."

"When he met with the Prime Minister in March, he outlined his five funding priorities – none of which were childcare," said Thorne. "This report provides the Premier with an opportunity to reverse his course of inaction and stand up for B.C. families. Will the Premier now make it a priority? Or, will he at least lobby the Prime Minister to change the design of the $1200 plan so that it actually benefits those in need?"