'Bill C-303 should serve as a message to Prime Minister Harper.' - James Clancy
Ottawa (23 Nov. 2006) – Bill C-303, the Early Learning and Child Care Act, has passed second reading in the Commons.
The bill was introduced in June by NDP MPs Denise Savoie (Victoria) and Olivia Chow (Trinity-Spadina). It lays the foundation for a national child care system governed by principles and accountability. The bill also ensures reliable funding for the provinces and guarantees child care tax dollars are invested in not-for-profit centres.
"This is a step in the right direction.... It means all children regardless of their parents’ income can get the same opportunities and the same head start in life,” says Barbara Byers, executive vice-president of the three-million-member Canadian Labour Congress.
We need a national child care system
James Clancy, national president of the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE), strongly agrees.
“The National Union has campaigned for years to establish a universal child care program in Canada. We know that early learning and child care programs are our most effective weapon against poverty, social exclusion and lack of opportunity for children.
“The successful vote on Bill C-303 should serve as a message to Prime Minister Harper that Canadians want their children to have every possible opportunity," Clancy says.
“It is time for the Conservative Government to start listening to what Canadians are saying and they are saying loud and clear that working families in Canada need a national child care system.”
Bill C-303 now moves to committee for clause by clause examination by MPs. The 340,000-member National Union continues to encourage its members to lobby MPs to ensure that the bill becomes law. NUPGE
More information:
Digg
Reddit
Facebook
Twitter
Google
