While child care providers and parents face an uncertain future, all the federal and provincial governments can do is point fingers at each other. In fact, the politicians are acting worse than the children they are supposedly committed to. The worst offender is B.C.’s Liberal government which is blaming its $40 million in child care cuts to the feds walking away from a funding agreement. That may be true, but Victoria’s claims that it doesn’t have the money is over-the-top. With a surplus verging on $3 billion, there is the cash. And at a time when officials state priorities dictate spending, what more important priority is there than children? The reality is many children have to be in care because their parents financially have to work or they choose to, as should be everyone’s right. And at a time when there are more jobs than workers, everyone is needed to keep B.C.’s economy running. Of course, the federal government also plays a troubling role in this situation. Instead of continuing with the funding agreement, the Conservatives backed out and started sending $100 a month to every parent. Except that the cheque is only for every child under age six, isn’t based on income and it is taxable. In the end, $100 isn’t really $100. With the inept handling of child care by both governments, many parents will see their direct costs rise, forcing many of them to leave their jobs because they can’t afford to work. Child care centres will have fewer resources for training and none of this will address the shortage of spaces. In the end, it’s time for our MLAs — Tom Christensen and George Abbott — and our MP — Colin Mayes — to abandon party loyalties and speak up for our children. Their interests must be a priority.
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