Toronto, Apr 3 2012 - Parents and child care advocates were shocked and disappointed that the recent provincial budget did not provide any funding to stabilize Ontario’s child care programs. As a result of chronic underfunding and lack of funding for proper implementation of the full-day kindergarten program, child care advocates have warned that Ontario’s fragile system of early learning and child care faces collapse. 

“We want to recognize the hard work of the Ontario NDP in raising the issue of child care in the legislature and communities across the province. We want to thank Andrea Horwath for her continued support of early learning and child care programs and for including $50 million dollars in funding for child care in the NDP budget proposals to the Ontario legislature” said Tracy Saarikoski, President of the Ontario Coalition for Better Child Care.

“While the funding will not prevent a child care crisis for Ontario, it will keep thousands of child care spaces open. In addition, this funding is important recognition of the vital role that child care plays in providing high quality education and care to children, allowing families to work or go to school and benefiting our communities”

For more information:

Tracy Saarikoski, RECE, President-OCBCC, 705-693-5282

Andrea Calver, Coordinator-OCBCC, cell 416-434-8031