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 Councillor Ainslie Videos
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Councillor Paul Ainslie
Outraged About Lack of Child Care funding in the Provincial budget
Scarborough - Councillor Paul Ainslie (Ward 43 Scarborough East) attended a "Post-Budget"
Breakfast this morning in Scarborough East to listen to Scarborough M.P.P.'s perspectives on
the provincial budget released yesterday by Finance Minister Dwight Duncan.
Councillor Ainslie raised his concerns over the lack of child care funding in the provincial
budget. "In these tough economic times, parents need to know they can count on their child
care provider so they can carry on with their employment," Councillor Ainslie commented.
One of the Liberal M.P.P.'s replied that the Province was aware of the $60 million shortfall in
funding and was presently reviewing the issue. It was noted that the amount of funding was
not sizeable and that a resolution would be shortly announced.
This raises concerns. Thursday's Provincial budget did not specifically mention any funding
for subsidized child care. It only called for the federal government to reconsider its
termination of the Early Learning and Child Care Agreement, and initiate new funding
measures to support child care. Councillor Ainslie believes that this falls far short of what is
needed. It places the City of Toronto in a position with no clear commitment from either the
federal or provincial government.
This lack of a funding commitment by both levels of government beyond March 31, 2010
under the Best Start program could have the City of Toronto faced with lack of finances for
24,000 subsidized child care spaces, at a time when even more spaces are needed.
"I find it unforgiving that the Province could leave this one issue hanging" Councillor Ainslie
noted. "Families are concerned about keeping their jobs which requires them to make long
term plans for child care; this only throws in another issue for families to worry about. We
really do need to start putting our children first, which means families first."
Councillor Ainslie also commented that "If governments truly understand how the economic
shift is affecting families, then, it is time for them to make long term funding commitments,
to such programs as child care, so that families may carry on with their daily responsibilities
and plan for their futures."
The City of Toronto is continuing to seek provincial commitment for adequate child care
funding and to maintain the existing approved service level of 24,000 subsidized child care
spaces.
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For more information:
Paul Ainslie, City Councillor
Ward 43, Scarborough East
416-392-4008
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