national childcare system is one of the most recommended and studied policy options, dating from the 1970 Report of the Royal Commission on the Status of Women yet Canada is still far behind other countries on this issue” (NCW, 2008, p.11).
Canada does not have a national child care strategy. The Royal Commission on the Status of Women first recommended the introduction of a national day care act in early 1970s. However, it has been 40 years since then, and we are still awaiting a universal, accessible and affordable national child care. After the 2006 elections Prime Minister Harper terminated federal-provincial agreements that were going to form the basis for Canada’s first national child care program. Instead the government introduced Universal Child Care Benefit (UCCB) under which an allowance of $100 a month is given for each child under the age of six, regardless of whether or not he or she attends centre based day care (Canada Revenue Agency, 2009). The UCCB is an attempt of the Harper government to undo the previous government’s “one size fits …show more content…
The focus of arguments for child care has shifted from child care as a women’s right to child care as a need for children (Jenson, 2009; Prentice, 2009). Such a perspective emphasizes on the needs of children but overlooks the issue of gender inequality. I argue that national child care in Canada will be a win-win situation for everyone: mothers, families, children and the Canadian economy. Quality child care program will not only increase the opportunities for women to
Canada does not have a national child care strategy. The Royal Commission on the Status of Women first recommended the introduction of a national day care act in early 1970s. However, it has been 40 years since then, and we are still awaiting a universal, accessible and affordable national child care. After the 2006 elections Prime Minister Harper terminated federal-provincial agreements that were going to form the basis for Canada’s first national child care program. Instead the government introduced Universal Child Care Benefit (UCCB) under which an allowance of $100 a month is given for each child under the age of six, regardless of whether or not he or she attends centre based day care (Canada Revenue Agency, 2009). The UCCB is an attempt of the Harper government to undo the previous government’s “one size fits …show more content…
The focus of arguments for child care has shifted from child care as a women’s right to child care as a need for children (Jenson, 2009; Prentice, 2009). Such a perspective emphasizes on the needs of children but overlooks the issue of gender inequality. I argue that national child care in Canada will be a win-win situation for everyone: mothers, families, children and the Canadian economy. Quality child care program will not only increase the opportunities for women to