It would be a great Santa Claus surprise for parents in Northwestern Ontario.
Those words from Thunder Bay-Atikokan Member of Parliament Judith Monteith-Farrell when it comes to Ontario signing on for $10 a day child care with Ottawa.
Thanks to both the Northwest Territories and New Brunswick inking deals, this province is the lone one that hasn’t signed on the dotted line.
The federal government is committing $30-billion over the next five years, but Ontario’s Education Minister Stephen Lecce has argued that the promise would only bring daycare fees down to $21 a day by 2025.
“It is unbelievable that we’re the only province holding out,” says Monteith-Farrell. “The cost of living is skyrocketing for everyone, and if we could give a break for young families on their child care costs, that would be so important to building back better.”
Thunder Bay-Superior North Liberal MPP Michael Gravelle stressed less expensive child care is crucial.
“The deal by the federal government at $10/day over the next five years is something that will make a real difference and I think we need to push real hard to make that happen. I’m surprised and disappointed that it is not yet in place,” Gravelle noted.
Premier Doug Ford has argued for more money for Ontario.
