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Last year's provincial budget allocated 25 million in the 2007 and 2008 budgets for child care spending. This afternoon, Minister Deb Matthews will be announcing where that money will go.

While $25 million dollars seems like a lot of money, Ontario is a big province with many needs.

In contrast, Quebec allocated $600 million dollars, over 5 years in their 2008 budget.

Manitoba recently announced a 5 year plan that will see annual child care spending rise by $92 million dollars over 5 years.

Ontario is falling behind. Other countries and even our neighbouring provinces to the east and west are making long-term significant funding commitments for affordable, accessible child care.

We can do it too, and we expect a long-term funding plan in the 2009 budget.