NDP Leader John Horgan on Thursday promised that a re-elected BC NDP government will build on the fastest creation of child care spaces in BC history by providing more spaces at $10 a day. “I’m proud of the work we’ve done to create more child care spaces and make life more affordable for families with kids,” said Horgan. “We know there’s still more work to do, and we look forward to a renewed federal commitment helping us get there. By making sure child care isn’t a barrier for parents who want to get back to work, we can build an economic recovery that works for everyone – not just those at the top.” Horgan also highlighted that one week from today, B.C.’s new Child Opportunity Benefit comes into effect. The program will provide up to $3,400 for a family with three children, benefiting almost 300,000 low and middle-income families. “As a mother with a small child, I know how difficult and expensive childcare can be,” said Lisa Beare, BC NDP candidate for Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows. “I am so proud that since forming government, we’ve been able to open more than 700 new childcare spaces in our community, and we’re just getting started.” The NDP noted that the BC Liberals voted against the 2018 budget that laid the foundation for Horgan’s child care plan, including a $350 a month fee reduction for families. In a Global News interview, Wilkinson called the fee reduction program “very expensive,” even as he pushed for over $3 billion in tax giveaways for big corporations and the wealthiest British Columbians. “All the progress we’ve made for children and families would be erased by Andrew Wilkinson,” said Bob D’Eith, BC NDP candidate for Maple Ridge-Mission. “The BC Liberals already cancelled a program that saved low and middle-income parents money on child care, and they would do it again. That’s a risk we can’t afford.” Since 2018, the BC NDP government has: * Approved funding for 20,000 new child care spaces * Reduced fees for the parents of 63,000 kids by up to $350 a month * Delivered child care for over 32,000 children at less than $10 a day as part of a universal child care program pilot program |