Some Ontarians are headed to the polls on September 6th – there are two by-elections to replace MPPs who have left their positions. The elections are in the ridings of Vaughan and Kitchener-Waterloo.
These are critical opportunities for a few reasons. First, elections are always a great opportunity to raise public awareness about the issues facing child care. Parents are voters, and candidates will listen to them when they say there’s not enough child care and it’s too expensive.
Second, if the Ontario Liberals were to win both of these ridings, they would have a majority government. The cooperation necessary between the Ontario Liberals and New Democrats in a minority government context has been good for child care – this is how we were able to secure funding in the budget to stabilize our programs.
Also of note is that Catherine Fife, NDP candidate in Kitchener-Waterloo, is a long-time child care advocate and member of the Coalition’s council.
The OCBCC is a non-partisan organization – but we do put out leaflets on child care for elections and by-elections to help parents, staff and communities ensure child care in an issue in the election campaign.
Window sign - Kitchener-Waterloo
If you are a constituent or work at program in one of these ridings and want more information or to help raise the profile of child care in these elections, send us an e-mail!
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