January 11, 2007

OTTAWA – A new study shows Stephen Harper’s promised “child care spaces initiative” is bad public policy that won’t deliver the much-needed accessible spots.

The study, Making space for child care, reviews Canadian and international evidence and experiences, outlining policies that will build a solid early learning and child care system.

“We’re calling on the new minister of Human Resources and Social Development, Monte Solberg, to put this study at the top of his reading list,” says Morna Ballantyne, coordinator of Code Blue.

Last May the Conservatives announced a “Child Care Spaces Initiative” to ‘create’ new spots through financial incentives for businesses and non-profit groups. But Making space for child care shows the government’s piecemeal approach is far from the comprehensive, coordinated and well-funded approach needed to build a true system.

“Canada ranks lowest among developed nations on child care. This study shows Minister Solberg has a chance to change direction and build a stable, sustainable child care system for Canadian families,” Jody Dallaire, chairperson of the Child Care Advocacy Association of Canada and member of Code Blue.

A government-appointed committee studying the spaces initiative was expected to make recommendations to the former minister, Diane Finley, last fall. That advice has yet to be made public.

Making space for child care also reviews information gathered during government consultations on the initiative. Stakeholder comments at the hearings and in the community reveal the vast majority oppose the spaces initiative.

“Stephen Harper may want to check off child care and move on to new priorities, but his government hasn’t created a single child care spot. Between this half-baked plan and a taxable allowance that falls short of real income support for families, the Tories are very vulnerable on child care going into the next federal election,” adds Ballantyne.
The report’s main recommendations are to: restore multiyear child care funding to the provinces; replace the “Child Care Spaces Initiative” with dedicated capital transfers; enact federal child care legislation and provide effective income supports for Canadian families.
Code Blue is a Canada-wide campaign to build a real pan-Canadian child care system. The campaign brings together national, provincial and territorial child care organizations, labour, women’s and social justice groups along with Canadians from all walks of life.

For more information:
Morna Ballantyne (613) 791-3411
Jody Dallaire (506) 878-8666

To download the full report click here:
Full Report [1]

To download a summary of this report click here:
Summary Report [2]