The majority of Salmon Arm council supports a plan for $10-per-day child care, with stipulations.
Council discussed a letter at a recent council meeting from early childhood educator Friday Bailey, referring to a visit several months earlier from Emily Mlieczko, executive director of Early Childhood Educators of B.C.
At that time council’s support for the plan, as part of a public system of early care and learning, was requested.
Council had stated it wished to discuss the proposal at the Union of BC Municipalities convention before making a decision.
Given that the UBCM had since voted in unanimous support, Bailey requested that Salmon Arm join the 31 municipalities who have also supported it.
Coun. Marg Kentel said it’s a worthwhile program but she doesn’t want to attach the city’s name to it until she knows where the funding will come from. She would like to see the provincial and federal governments support it.
Coun. Ken Jamieson said he supports the plan because affordable day care is badly needed in smaller towns.
“Part of me that hesitates to support it, is it doesn’t cost $10 to provide quality day care. Where does the rest of the money come from?”
Kentel added that something is missing in the plan by assuming that day care is the route to take.
“Not everybody wants to put their kids in day care if there was some money coming for them to stay home.”
Coun. Debbie Cannon said the model for $10-per-day child care is Quebec.
“They’re showing the payback you get in time.”
The motion to support the plan carried, with Coun. Alan Harrison and Kentel opposed.