Letter: Canada should be leader on universal child care

Re: Editorial “Universal childcare must be a priority,” which appeared in Northern Life Nov. 25.

I am an Ontario College of Teachers member and soon to be a registered early childhood educator, and firmly believe universal child care would be of great benefit to not only families but all taxpayers.

I currently work in child care, and regularly hear about about invoices being too high or comments such as “My husband’s whole wage pays for the kids to be here.” I am in full support of this proposal by the NDP.

I honestly believe that we fund education to ensure bright futures of school-aged children and that this plan is now taken the responsibility seriously for ages 0-4 as well.

I was greatly saddened to find out that we rank so low worldwide in our ability to provide affordable, quality child care. This definitely needs to change, as we are a country that should be setting an example like Sweden.

I would also like to point out that the plan laid out by the NDP would actually save money over time, as it costs less annually than the current child tax benefit, which costs $2.5 billion.

I do understand there is a risk of increased users of a universal child care system, but then maybe this would decrease the issues with unlicensed daycare because there would be greater licensed options available to parents.

Also, increased wages and placing us as ECEs on a more level playing field with Ontario College of Teachers members would also cause greater retention in the field.

Overall, I know there will be growing pains as the plan is implemented, but I see this being of great benefit all around. Hopefully, the NDP gets the chance to make the changes in the next election.

Andrea Fone
Sudbury