Wynne government must commit to universal child care that works for families and child care workers: NDP

Queen’s Park— During Question Period today, NDP Education Critic, Lisa Gretzky, demanded that Premier Wynne commit to a system of affordable child care that also offers equal pay and decent work to those working in the sector.

“Parents who couldn’t afford child care before this government’s throne speech are no better off today,” said Gretzky. “Working conditions in the child care sector are reaching a tipping point where over a quarter of our dedicated professionals are looking for another job. Nearly 25 per cent of early childhood educators make under $15 an hour despite their tremendous role and responsibility in caring for our children; the future of this province.”

Early Childhood Educators, and child care workers from across Ontario came to Queen’s Park today to deliver petitions signed by over 4,000 people from Windsor to Wawa, calling for  the creation of universally accessible child care. The Association of Early Childhood Educators also released a report today highlighting the poor working conditions in the early learning and child  care sector.

“Will this government finally commit to a universal child care system that works for child care workers and Ontario families?” asked Gretzky.

Audio:  https://www.dropbox.com/s/t4u1wq4q8lrh6yk/Q4_Gretzky_10-26-16.mp3?dl=0

Video:  https://www.dropbox.com/s/ovbvu30bnlvlcyd/Q4_Gretzky_10-26-16.mp4?dl=0