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WHEREAS the current lack of adequate, qualified and affordable daycare for working families in BC is hindering economic growth, job opportunities for workers and a child’s well-being;

AND WHEREAS in 2012 the Union of BC Municipalities endorsed the plan for an Integrated System of Early Care and Learning in BC which provides a framework for early childhood services so that children, families, communities and our economy are served by a high quality, universal, democratic and accountable system of early care and learning;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the NCLGA and the UBCM advocate the Province of BC for the implementation of the Community Plan for a Public System of Integrated Early Care and Learning and call for action to begin steps toward implementing a $10/Day Childcare Program for BC.

Additional Information

UBCM Comments: The UBCM membership has consistently endorsed resolutions calling on all orders of government to work to ensure the provision and availability of affordable, accessible child care and early learning (2012-B50, 2011-B66, 2010-B151, 2007-B54, 2007-LR8, 2005-B156, 2004-B137, 2001-B98, 1992-B78, 1990-B50).

In response to the 2012 resolution the provincial government pointed out that it had “increased the number of child-care spaces in British Columbia by nearly 40 percent since 2003/04, with more than 100,000 licensed child care spaces receiving ongoing government funding.” The Province also referenced forums held in 2012, one on child care and the other on early childhood development, organized by the Ministry of Children and Family Development to seek input from stakeholders.