Parents, children and child care providers took to the streets Tuesday to
protest budget cuts.More than 100 people rallied in front of the Vernon courthouse and then marched to MP Colin Mayes’ office in opposition to the federal government withdrawing from a child care agreement and the provincial government slashing funding for programs by $40 million. Day care operators warn that may lead to higher fees, and parent Brandy Martin fears this could put her ability to earn a living in jeopardy. “If they keep increasing day care costs, I might not be able to stay at work,” she said of the costs of care for her two children. “They’re taking money away from other things we can’t provide to our children.” Also worried is Steve Murray, a single father of five who is on a medical disability. “It’s going to cost me more money — about $200 a month,” he said. Care for the children — between the ages of one and five — is needed so Murray can visit his doctor and get chores done around the house. “It will tighten up the budget even further for us,” he said. Sherry-Lynn Kolenski, owner of House of Dwarfs day care, expects the cuts will directly impact her operation and customers. “We’ll have to raise rates to meet the required standards — staffing, maintenance and training. A lot of people won’t be able to afford the rates,” she said.
Kolenski is also upset the local Child Care Resource and Referral Program could close. “They only recommend child care to parents they’ve checked out and they provide us with training,” she said. The provincial government states it had no choice but to cut its spending because of the federal government withdrawing from a funding agreement. But Anne McMeeking-Walsh, with the North Okanagan Child Care Society, believes that’s just an excuse. “The province is using the federal government as a scapegoat,” she said. “There’s a $2.6 billion surplus (provincially) so when will there be enough money for child care?”
After scrapping the funding agreement, the federal government launched a monthly payment of $100 to parents. However, McMeeking-Walsh says the $100 is only for parents with children under age six and it’s taxable. “By the time it’s taxed, there’s about $64 left. It doesn’t do a whole lot.” However, Mayes defends the $100 payment as a way of providing all parents with choices.
“It’s only intended to be assistance. It’s not meant to pay for child care,” he said, adding that only 26 per cent of Canadian parents use child care. “Is it fair for the rest to pay for child care? Mayes insists the federal government is committed to child care. “We’re putting $250 million a year towards child care spaces in conjunction with businesses and other organizations.” He also denies Ottawa’s actions are responsible for the province’s funding cuts. “It (child care) is the responsibility of the provincial government and the past (federal) Liberal government got involved and promised a national strategy,” said Mayes. Child care advocates will hold a town hall meeting at the People Place Feb. 12 at 7 p.m. and a protest at Polson Park Feb. 13 at noon. 
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