The NDP finally joined the day care debate by announcing their child care policy. They plan on spending $2.5 Billion over 4 years. Which, for those keeping track, is less than the Conservatives and Liberals propose to spend.
In short, they will create a Canada Child Care Act, similar to the Canada Health Act, to ensure that any money they spend will be in the public, regulated, unionized day care sector.
A couple of things jumped out at me in Jack Layton's news conference. First off, Prozac Jack has become put me to sleep Jack. This statesman pose he is trying to portray has gone too far - he needs to put more energy into his speeches.
The other thing is that the NDP, like the Liberals, will do nothing to support those who will not use 9-5 day care.
"We don't do a very good job of looking after our kids nationwide".
Speak for yourself Jack. My wife and I are doing quite well thank you very much. And what is this "we" business. It is not the governments job to look after our kids, that is parents job.
"Across Canada fewer than 1 in 5 children have that chance (to have quality day care)."
Ah, the Liberals and the NDP are on the same page on this one. Anything but their institionalized day care is not quality. 47% of children (2.4 of that 5 you referenced Mr. Layton) are raised by a stay-at-home parent. Insulting but in an oh so calm way.
"Many believe that one parent being at home for the kids is the best plan but in today's economy that just isn't available for most kids".
3% shy of being the case for kids Mr. Layton. And if wasn't for a heavy tax structure it would be the case for most kids.
"Mr. Harper's plan is a tax cut".
Good. If we all had more of our own hard-earned dollars we would have the flexibility to choose the best way to raise our children in our own situations - be that private day care, public day care, neighbourhood day care or with a stay-at-home parent.
Why is it so hard for "progressives" to be fair to all families?
Update: Looks like I missed one aspect of the NDP plan.
"An increase in the federal child tax credit of $1,000 phased in over four years in order to help lower-income families cover child care costs and meet other essential expenses."
So it is still unfair to all families but a little more fair to low-income families.
