Child care supports needed when COVID cases shut down schools

HALIFAX -- With the closure of another Halifax school due to COVID-19 the NSNDP is renewing its call for direct support for families impacted by the closure. The NDP has called for financial support for families who have to find extended child care options or face lost income in order to care for children during a closure.

“We know the closure of schools is sometimes necessary and we respect decisions made by Public Health, but the Minister needs to understand for many families this is a serious burden,” said NDP Education spokesperson Suzy Hansen. “It is unacceptable that there has been no support for parents and caregivers who have had to miss shifts, take unpaid leave, or pay extra child care costs.”

Hansen wrote a letter to the Minister of Education and Early Childhood Education last month outlining the NDP’s proposal. The Minister wrote back saying they would not provide direct support and have encouraged employers to support parents when schools have to close.

“Throughout the pandemic the importance of government support has been clear,” said NDP Leader Gary Burrill. “What we are suggesting here is another example of that -- direct support for the families who are struggling. The government has spent millions to help companies during the pandemic; they should also make sure to support the people of Nova Scotia when they need it.”

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