British Columbia Federation of Labour

Action Alert: Support Bill C303, the Early Learning and Child Care Act

Bill C303 ensures that any federal dollars designated for childcare, is actually spent on childcare; in particular dollars transferred by the federal governemnt to the provinces. The NDP, Liberals and Bloc Qebecois have all supported this legislation, allowing it to pass second reading in Canada' Parliament. Now the Bill progresses to the committee stage for review. Join Code Blue for childcare and send a message to the Standing Committee on Human Resources, Social Development that you support this important legislation.

Background 

In September 2005 BC working families had cause for optimism. The then federal government had signed a 5-year agreement that would have seen BC receive $633 million from the federal government for regulated childcare. That’s almost 33,000 childcare spaces lost annually to BC families.

This agreement would have gone a long way to addressing economic barriers faced by single moms and working families living paycheque to paycheque. Instead they received a taxable childcare credit for $100 a month.

Most childcare providers simply increased their fees by that amount, trying to manage their own costs and retain trained and experienced staff. 27% of women working in BC work part time, the single largest group of part-time workers. The largest reason cited by women 25-44 years of age for working part-time is the lack of childcare.

CEO’s and economist like to talk about productivity. With a skills shortage upon us, developing a reliable childcare system in Canada would boost productivity and sustain employment, particularly for women who could be participating even more in our economy.

Our kids deserve a fair start in this world and working families deserve a fair chance to make ends meet.

To make this a reality, BC's working families need a real childcare plan that creates affordable quality spaces. That's why the B.C. Fed has joined with childcare advocates and the CodeBlue Coalition to ensure publicly funded, quality childcare is on both the national and provincial agenda.

Learn more about the provincial government's recent announcement of cuts to vital child care programs, or for more information about community events happening around the province please click here.

How can you help?

Use this sample letter to contact your local MLA or contact your local MP. Tell them working families need action on childcare now.

Links and Resources

BCGEU Childcare Campaign

CUPE Childcare Campaign

Coalition of Childcare Advocates of BC

CodeBlue Coalition