Why We Need Universal Child Care

Photo credit: Santa Ana College

There is a child care crisis in Canada.  Canadian families with young children pay up to 20% of their household incomes on childcare - in some cases more than $1200 per month.  We are facing a shortage of spaces and an increase in costs for child care.  In many European countries, universal (and often free) child care is provided by the government.  In Québec, the government pays part of cost of child care, leaving Québécois families to pay only $7 per day per child.  We need something like this to help families juggle day to day finances while keeping children safe and cared for.  Affordable child care allows parents to work outside the home and keep food on the table.  Visit the Child Care Advocacy Association of Canada to learn more and find out what you can do.  Share you child care story here.