Finance Minister touts investments in child care as investments in a strong economy

Author: Matt Robinson
Publishing date: Apr 20, 2021
Vancouver Sun

The number of parents in B.C. who benefit from the province’s $10-a-day child care program will more than double under this year’s provincial budget, which saw a big emphasis on supports for children and youth.

The announcement to boost the number of spaces deeply discounted by the province was among a handful of measures intended to move closer to a universal child care system in B.C., said Finance Minister Selina Robinson in her budget speech Tuesday. In all, an additional $233 million will go to improving access, affordability and quality of care for children in the province, according to budget documents.

“Last March and April saw schools and some child care centres temporarily close their doors. Consequently, women’s participation in the workforce plummeted,” Robinson said in her budget speech. “It’s a stark reminder that when it comes to building a strong recovery, child care is non-negotiable. And that investments in child care are investments in a strong economy.”

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