EGINA – Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff is taking part in a “mini” town hall with kids today, followed by an online town hall with parents, to talk about the Early Childhood Learning and Care Fund in the Liberal Family Pack.
“Moms, dads and kids alike agree on the benefits of early learning and child care – and that’s why a Liberal government will work towards more high-quality, affordable child care space for every child in Canada,” said Mr. Ignatieff, while meeting with kids at the Stepping Stones Child Care Co-Op in Regina, where he was joined by Jackie Miller, Liberal candidate for Regina-Qu’Appelle and Monica Lysack, Liberal candidate for Regina-Lumsden-Lake Centre.
“Families need access to more affordable, quality child care spaces so they can balance caring for their children with providing for them financially – especially given the tight financial squeeze they’re under,” said Ms. Lysack, a nationally-recognized advocate for early learning and child care.
After taking questions from children at the Child Care Co-Op, Mr. Ignatieff will take part in an online town hall with parents – including ‘parent bloggers’ at 12:30 PM EDT. The public is welcome to take part at http://lpc.ca/parents.
Under a Liberal government, the Early Childhood Learning and Care Fund will begin with $500 million in the first year, rising to an annual commitment of $1 billion by the fourth year. Provinces and territories will be able to apply to the Fund for cost-sharing of early childhood learning and care plans that create and operate new, affordable, high-quality early childhood learning and care spaces across Canada, with qualified professional staff.
“One thing I’ve heard time and again since becoming Leader of the Liberal Party is that far too often working families are stuck on waiting lists for years before a child care space opens up – and this fund could make all the difference for them,” Mr. Ignatieff added. “I want to lead a Liberal government that gives our kids the strongest possible start, boosts their development throughout childhood and increases their chance of a healthy and successful life.”
The Early Childhood Learning and Care Fund is part of the Liberal Family Pack, a five-point plan that brings a new level of economic stability to Canadian families by helping them with the cost of family care, post-secondary education, child care, saving for retirement and energy-efficient home improvements.
“We can strengthen families – without raising your taxes – if we stop corporate giveaways, control wasteful spending, and focus on what really matters: giving every Canadian the tools to succeed,” he said.
