Lək̓ʔəŋən [LEKWUNGEN] TERRITORY / VICTORIA, B.C. — BC Green Party Leader Emily Lowan announced today that BC Greens will lift David Eby’s freeze on new $10-a-day childcare spaces and a plan to achieve universal free childcare coverage by 2031 for every family in this province. “Lack of access, lack of qualified educators, and unaffordable fees send a clear message to young people and families: the government is not investing in you,” said Lowan. “British Columbia has the most expensive and complicated child care in Canada, exacerbated by David Eby’s freezing of the $10-a-day childcare program. BC Greens will lift the freeze immediately, and make it free by 2031. The NDP government paused — the BC Greens will build.”The BC NDP committed to a wage grid in its 2021 Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement — yet it hasn’t been delivered for childcare workers. That’s why the BC Greens will implement an early childhood educator wage grid, reaching $35 to $45 an hour by 2028, to ensure the people who look after your kids get fair compensation.”
“BC is one of only two jurisdictions in Canada — alongside the Yukon — with neither a capped childcare fee nor a wage grid for the people who care for our kids. BC Greens will fix both, and use that foundation to get every family in this province to universal childcare coverage.
At the same press conference, BC Greens candidate for Victoria-Swan Lake, Carolyn Howe.
Carolyn Howe is a longtime elementary music teacher, public education advocate, and labour activist. Currently president of the Greater Victoria Teachers’ Association, her career in education has given her decades of experience working with students, families, educators and communities across Greater Victoria. “I have seen first-hand the realities that ordinary people are facing. Economic inequality is at crisis levels. People are struggling and stressed about paying their bills” said Howe. “Teachers believe in the potential of every child to succeed. But I know it takes more than just a dedicated teacher. I want to be part of a government ready to fight for our communities, where people feel connected and hopeful for the future. From affordable housing, to strong healthcare, thriving public schools, and universal childcare—it’s time to raise our expectations for what is possible, and create the province we want to live in.”
“Having a labour leader, a caring educator, and a fierce advocate for families like Carolyn join the team is an honour,” said Lowan.
Click here to read our full Childcare Policy Brief.
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