Toronto, Ont. – Child care advocates will make deputations to the Community Development and Recreation Committee on the impact of cuts to child care subsidies.
In 2006, the McGuinty government took a one-time federal payment, spread it over four years and included that funding into Ontario’s core child care budget. Those funds will expire this year.
The City has stated that “should the Province fail to provide additional resources to maintain existing services they would need to cut 5000 subsidies (21%)by January 2012.”
The impact on the child care sector would be catastrophic.
The impact on the child care sector would be catastrophic.
- Child care centres will have empty child care spaces
- They will be forced to layoff staff and increase parent fees
- Many centres will close within months. All will be vulnerable.
Selected Quotes from Deputations:
“It would be devastating for our families in Central and North Etobicoke if we were forced to close”, Ann Farrell, Program Manager, First Stage Child Care
“Cutting 5000 child care spaces is not acceptable. Now, more than ever, we need to stand together and hold the Province accountable” Cindy McCarthy, Chair, City of Toronto Child Care Committee and Executive Director, Terry Tan Child Care.
“Quite simply, drastic cuts to child care subsidies could cause a catastrophic collapse of our child care programs” Jane Mercer, Toronto Coalition for Better Child Care.
WHERE: Community Development and Recreation Committee. Toronto City Hall, 100 Queen St West
WHEN: Friday January 8, 9:30 a.m.
For more information, please contact:
Jane Mercer, Toronto Coalition for Better Child Care 416-892-6810 (cell)
Andrea Calver, Ontario Coalition for Better Child Care 416-434-8031 (cell)
The Ontario Coalition for Better Child Care (OCBCC) represents the voices of over 500 members including child care centres and individuals advocating for universally accessible, high quality, non-profit child care in Ontario.