A recent town hall on child care in Halifax organized by CUPE and a child care motion from the city council of London, Ontario have upped the momentum of forces demanding a universal child care program.
The Halifax town hall on April 17 saw federal New Democrat Leader Jack Layton, NDP Members of Parliament Olivia Chow and Alexa McDonough and several provincial NDP members of the provincial legislature join CUPE members, parents and child care advocates in a discussion on keeping the child care agreements signed last year between the provinces and Ottawa.
Chow, who represents Toronto’s Trinity-Spadina riding, is a dedicated child care advocate, most notably during her many years as a Toronto municipal councillor. Chow was named the city’s first children and youth advocate.
London city council recently passed a motion pledging to work with the federal Conservatives and other Ontario municipalities to preserve the national child care program and agreements. The motion was brought forward by councillor Sandy White, an early childhood educator. Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver have passed similar motions in the past few weeks.
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