ADVOCACY UPDATE - DECEMBER 2, 2008
Apologies for cross-postings
Dear Colleagues:
In the recent federal election, a majority of Canadians voted for candidates who are committed to building a universal child care system. But, the resulting minority government standings didn’t leave much hope for progress.
Now, unprecedented events are taking place in Ottawa as the Opposition parties join forces and propose to govern as a coalition. We know that the Opposition parties agree with the majority of Canadians that child care is a priority. So, if they do form a Coalition government – we can and should expect them to act boldly on Canada’s economic needs which include child care.
In good and bad economic times, we need child care to work. Child care yields high social and economic returns. It promotes healthy child development. It helps women stay in the workforce. It moves families out of poverty. And, it builds strong local economies.
The Prime Minister suspended Parliament for a week and suggests that Canadians let their MPs know what they think. Here are links to websites where you will find more information and ways to make your voices heard.
http://www.progressivecoalition.ca/form.php
http://www.smartvote2008.ca/coalition
http://canadianlabour.ca/
We encourage you to take the Prime Minister up on his invitation. Call or email your Member of Parliament to say that, like a majority of Canadians, you want those who support a universal, publicly funded child care system to act.
Spread the word by writing a Letter to the Editor of your local paper, phoning an Open Line show, and talking to friends and neighbours.
For more information about child care and the economy see www.ccaac.ca and www.buildchildcare.org .
Jody Dallaire, Chairperson
Child Care Advocacy Association of Canada