March, 25, 2004

Halifax Atlantic NDP MLA Michele Raymond is calling on the Hamm government to immediately designate the day care funding announced in the federal budget to address the operational funding crisis facing Nova Scotia's non-profit day cares.

"The last time the province received day care funding from the federal government, they spent the majority of it without even consulting with day care directors," says Raymond. "As a result, non-profit day cares such as the Riverview Centre in Spryfield are in financial crisis."

"This time, the Minister of Community Services must do the right thing. Spend this federal money on operational funding for non-profit day cares * before one more centre is forced to close its doors."

Raymond is responding to the federal government's budget announcement of $375 million for child care. Nova Scotia's share of the federal money will be approximately $11 million.

"The Hamm government's record on day care is shameful * and the federal Liberal record is no better. They promised a national child care program over a decade ago that they have never delivered," says Raymond. "But when the federal government does come through with funding, however paltry, the province must ensure that it is spent where the need is greatest."

"The Hamm Tories are looking for extra money for the upcoming provincial budget, but they should not consider spending this $11 million on anything other than day care," she says.

"This funding doesn't belong in general revenues, and it doesn't belong in 'special projects'. It belongs with non-profit day cares so that they can continue to operate. The NDP will be watching to make sure that's where it ends up."