NDP recommits to $10-a-day child care in B.C.
Posted September 24, 2020 1:45 pm.
Last Updated September 24, 2020 1:52 pm.
MAPLE RIDGE — NDP Leader John Horgan recommitted Thursday to implement a 10-year plan for $10 a day child care in B.C. if his party is re-elected.
The plan was part of the New Democrats’ 2017 platform, but Horgan says the minority government couldn’t fully implement it because it didn’t have support from its Green partners.
Horgan says the NDP instead worked to open 20,000 new child-care spaces, reduce fees and start a daycare pilot project that cost $10 a day, which was overwhelmed with demand.
He made the comments during an event in Maple Ridge, where he drew attention to the Child Opportunity Benefit already outlined in the 2020-21 budget, which will become available next month.
The benefit provides families with up to $1,600 per child for a maximum of $3,400 and replaces the Early Childhood Tax Benefit.
The New Democrats committed to open 24,000 new child-care spaces by 2021 as part of its 2017 platform.
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Speaking after addressing the virtual convention of the Union of B.C. Municipalities, Green Leader Sonia Furstenau says she worked closely with the NDP to develop better early childhood education and accused Horgan of “trying to rewrite history” by alleging a lack of Green support for childcare.
In a statement, Furstenau says Horgan instead chose to call an election.
Furstenau adds the minority government resulted in stronger legislation because each bill was reviewed by two caucuses.
She also says the Greens had a hand in getting big money out of politics, lobby reform, and launching the public inquiry into money laundering because of its position in propping up the N-D-P in the legislature.
Horgan closes the UBCM with a speech later Thursday.
Liberal Leader Andrew Wilkinson addressed municipal politicians Wednesday and was in Pitt Meadows later Thursday.