REALITY CHECK: Houston government fudging the numbers on child-care

HALIFAX – For the third day in a row, NSNDP Early Childhood Development Critic Paul Wozney pushed the Houston government to answer to Nova Scotian parents on the lack of available child care.

The Minister of Early Childhood Development doubled down on his government’s exaggerated claim that child care is affordable and accessible. Yet, families across Nova Scotia continue to fight for spaces and pay among the highest fees in the country.

Parents in Halifax pay more than double what parents pay in other comparable cities like Charlottetown, St. John’s, and Winnipeg. And the Houston government is set to miss the March 31 deadline for $10-a-day child care.

Despite the Houston government’s claim that they’re on track to deliver more than 9,000 new child-care spaces, they’ve only created around 3,000 spaces that meet federal standards.

“Parents are leaving good-paying jobs because they can’t find or can’t afford the child care they need. We have heard from families who are moving to other provinces because it’s easier and cheaper to get their kids a good child care space in other parts of the country. This hurts Nova Scotian families, our communities, and also our economy,” said NSNDP Early Childhood Development Critic Paul Wozney. “Instead of listening to parents’ concerns and taking action, the Houston government insists on telling a story that doesn’t match the experiences of Nova Scotians.”

“This government needs to stop pretending the situation for parents is better than it really is and get serious about lowering costs, to make sure affordable, accessible child care is actually available.”

Today, the NSNDP tabled legislation to create a clear, enforceable plan to make child care affordable, accessible, and reliable for families across Nova Scotia.

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