Liberal government must support parents with child care costs, ensure students and teachers are supported in schools

HALIFAX - The NDP is calling on the Liberal government to support families through the pandemic and ensure federal restart money for schools is benefiting students and teachers. Today’s Standing Committee on Human Resources will discuss the Safe Return to Class funding provided by the federal government in the fall.

“Many parents are concerned about the safety of students in schools and early childhood educational settings. Parents deserve a government that supports them, and can provide a clear answer on what is and isn’t being done to safely keep schools open,” said Claudia Chender, NDP Education and Early Childhood Development spokesperson. “Many parents, especially women, have also had to pay additional child care costs, have lost wages, or have been forced out of the workforce due to school closures and associated pressures during the pandemic. We know they need additional support.”

The NDP is proposing a one-time payment of $200 to all families with children aged 0-12 who receive the Canada Child Benefit, as well as a $50 per child per week payment to families in the event of any future school closures as a result of the pandemic.

Nova Scotia was the only province that did not provide child care for essential workers during the first phase of the pandemic. While the government continued providing regular funding for child care centres during the initial phase, no support has been given directly to parents.

“Child care doesn’t just happen ‘organically’ as the Liberal government suggested during the first wave. Families have been struggling with extra child care costs and it’s important that the government recognize this,” said Kendra Coombes, Cape Breton Centre MLA and NDP member of the HR Committee.

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