Locals get vocal

By DARREN HANDSCHUH Wednesday, February 7, 2007 http://www.dailycourier.ca/article_948.php

‘Hey, hey, ho, ho. These child care cuts have got to go.” With that chant, some 100 people marched from the Vernon courthouse to the office of Conservative MP Colin Mayes to protest cuts to child care funding.The Tories have slashed child care cash by $455 million, while the provincial Liberals cut back to the tune of $40 million.The feds will provide $100 per child, per month, but the protesters said the amount does not even come close to covering the cost of child care.Anne McMeeking-Walsh helped organize the protest that consisted of child-care providers, parents and citizens.McMeeking-Walsh said “there are already huge, long waiting lists for child care” and the cuts are going to make the situation even worse.

She predicted some child care facilities will close their doors due to lack of funding.Lisa Goble was at the protest because “there are too many cuts.”“We’ve all had enough. We tried to do it nicely with letters but that didn’t work. We want them to know quality, affordable day care should be a priority in this province and in this country.”Karyn Wehner is a parent and early childhood educator who put her daughter, Aubrey, on a waiting list before she was born.The 10 month old still does not have a spot in a child care facility. The wait for a spot can be as long as four years.Roughly half of the protesters walked into Mayes office.

The first-term MP was in Ottawa, but his executive assistant Terri Jones attempted to explain the government’s position to the crowd.Jones said the changes came about because that is what people wanted, but the words were met with cynical laughter and a chorus of comments.Jones said people told the government they want a choice in how day care is provided so the Tories came up with the new system.“Colin Mayes is definitely pro-child care and I believe the government is as well,” said Jones to the largely female crowd.Jones said the $100 is a way of giving people a choice as to how their child care money is spent, but some protesters pointed out the $100 is taxed and is actually $64.

The protesters charged the money is not adequate for child care and expressed concerns that unqualified facilities could spring up.Jones encouraged the group to provide written proposals, saying “any good plan will be considered.”Jones also went on the offensive, saying the government plans to create 25,000 new child care spaces and will be reviewing the cuts in the next budget.A town hall meeting on the issue is planned for Monday at 7 p.m. at the People Place, 3402 27th Ave.