Parents, caregivers left behind in Liberal reopening plan

HALIFAX -- Premier McNeil is leaving thousands of workers, especially women, out of the first stage of the recovery plan. It was announced yesterday that businesses can open starting on June 5, while child care won’t open until at least June 15.

“The McNeil Liberals are out of touch if they think people can return to work when regulated child care and schools are closed, and day camps have largely been cancelled,” said NDP Leader Gary Burrill. “Many parents and caregivers will be forced out of their jobs because they need to take care of their children. It’s not right and we can do better than this.”

According to the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, 56 per cent of workers in caring, clerical, catering, cashiering, and cleaning positions are women. According to Statistics Canada, in 2015, 62 per cent of women aged 25 to 54 in Canada had a child under the age of 13 in the household, and/or served as a caregiver to family members and friends.

“Without a plan for child care and protection for parents who will need to stay home with their children, thousands of women will be forced out of the workforce at least temporarily, but possibly permanently,” said Claudia Chender, NDP Business spokesperson. “This reopening plan leaves women and families behind.”

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