NDP launches petition campaign for quality, affordable childcare

New Democrats have launched a petition calling on the Conservative government to work with the provinces and territories to increase the number of quality and affordable child care spaces available in Canada.

“Canada ranks last among comparable countries when it comes to public spending on child care and early learning,” said NDP Employment and Social Development critic Jinny Sims (Newton-North Delta). “Consecutive Liberal and Conservative governments have ignored the problem – Canadians deserve better.”

Outside Quebec, childcare is increasingly unaffordable. Child care spots are hard to find, and can cost parents up to $2000 for a single child. Studies confirm that access to child care boosts women’s participation in the workforce and strengthens our economy as a whole—with every dollar spent returning two or more to our economy.

“Too many parents are struggling with the childcare crisis in this country,” said Sims. “We’re telling parents: we hear you. Canadians deserve a break and our kids deserve a head start.”

The petition can be found here: http://petition.ndp.ca/childcare