First, we congratulate the government on finally coming out with the childcare plan they promised in the last election albeit very late in their mandate. Most of the funding is committed after the election this September and therefore this may be more about getting re-elected than helping families.
Second, it does not seem as though the perspective of parents has been considered in their plan. Where is it made easy and convenient for parents to access the childcare or the subsidies? Sometimes the barriers to accessing childcare are more than simply financial but include convenience, location or transportation.
Key elements of quality childcare services do not appear to be fully considered such as universality, flexibility and ease of access. There should be no wait lists, for example.
Jennifer McKenzie
Leader of the New Brunswick NDP