Childcare has been a significant issue in British Columbia for decades. Over the last 20 years, politicians have made promises to improve childcare access, but progress has been slow.
The recent closure of one of Vernon's daycare centers highlights the urgency of the situation in the North Okanagan and emphasizes the need for action to be taken to address the province's childcare needs.
Here's a list of campaign promises made by the BC Liberals and BC NDP since 2001
2001:
The BC Liberals promised to create 20,000 new childcare spaces over three years.
The BC NDP promised to increase funding for licensed child care, create new childcare spaces, and introduce a portable childcare benefit for families.
2005:
The BC Liberals promised to create 3,000 new childcare spaces per year for four years, as well as increase funding for childcare programs and training for childcare workers.
The BC NDP promised to invest $350 million over three years to create new childcare spaces, reduce fees for parents, and increase wages for childcare workers.
2009:
The BC Liberals promised to create 6,000 new childcare spaces over the next three years and to improve the quality of child care by investing in training and increasing licensing requirements.
The BC NDP promised to invest $100 million over three years to create new childcare spaces and reduce fees for parents, as well as provide support for early childhood educators.
2013:
The BC Liberals promised to create 1,000 new child care spaces by 2016, as well as introduce a new childcare benefit for low-income families.
The BC NDP promised to create 10,000 new childcare spaces over the next three years, as well as reduce fees for parents and improve wages and training for childcare workers.
2017:
The BC Liberals promised to invest $20 million per year to create new childcare spaces and expand before- and after-school programs.
The BC NDP promised to create 22,000 new childcare spaces over the next three years, as well as reduce fees for parents and provide more support for childcare providers.
2020:
The BC Liberals promised to invest $1 billion over four years to create new childcare spaces and provide funding to reduce fees for parents.
The BC NDP promised to create 30,000 new licensed childcare spaces by 2022, reduce fees for parents, and introduce a $10-a-day child care plan to make child care more affordable for families.