On the campaign trail last Friday, Manitoba NDP Leader Wab Kinew promised an NDP government would expand the $10-a-day childcare to include summer months for school age children and make childcare hours more flexible for shift workers.
In a media release Kinew said “Parents need affordable, quality childcare but right now it’s not working for too many families. Shift workers like nurses and construction workers don’t have options that work for them. And parents of school age kids are seeing their bills go up in the summer. A Manitoba NDP government will ensure every family gets $10/childcare that works when they work.”
The release also said that “currently childcare costs for school age children in summer months, on professional development days and holidays during the school range from $18 to over $20 per day. In addition, Manitoba lacks enough childcare options with flexible hours to meet parents’ needs.”
The NDP say “for years Heather Stefanson froze childcare funding and ignored and disrespected early childhood educators. A Manitoba NDP Government would work with the childcare sector and prioritize spaces with flexible hours for shift workers. The Manitoba NDP would work with the sector to ensure childcare is a good job that pays the bills with opportunities to expand training.”
In reacting to the announcement, the Manitoba Child Care Association reportedly said the plan does not fix the big issues currently plaguing the system such as staff shortages and ever-growing wait lists.
Also last week, the Manitoba Liberals announced a plan to create an independent Seniors’ Advocate and increase staff at personal care homes. They also pledged to establish a branch of the University of Manitoba’s medical school on Brandon University’s campus. It would offer training for doctors, nurse practitioners, and other health-care providers.
Manitobans are expected to hit the polls on October 3rd.
