ADVOCACY UPDATE - JANUARY 20, 2009
Dear Child Care Colleagues:
Re: 2009 Federal Budget
As we count down to the January 27 release of the 2009 federal budget, the following information may be helpful in your advocacy efforts:
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Polling results issued by the Rideau Institute show that “a significant number of Canadians believe the main focus of Budget 2009 should be creating jobs and supporting those who have lost their jobs”. Furthermore, the federal budget should reflect broad consultation and input, beyond the business community.
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Alternative Federal Budget Fiscal Stimulus Plan issued by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives (CCPA) proposes a federal injection of 2% of GDP into the economy, or $33 billion, which is consistent with international recommendations. The Plan protects Canadians who experience loss of income and addresses Canada’s hard and soft infrastructure requirements, including $2.2 billion for child care services. Stay tuned to the CCPA for details as the full Alternative Federal Budget will be released soon.
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Building on our 2009 budget submission and the CCPA Fiscal Stimulus Plan, the Child Care Advocacy Association of Canada (CCAAC) sent an open letter to the party leaders (January 20 2009). It recommends an increased public investment in child care services to strengthen our economy both in the short-term and long-term.
Please take a few minutes in the next day or two to:
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email your Member of Parliament
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visit other social justice web sites and participate in their on line campaigns. For example, learn about the Canadian Labour Congress economic stimulus plan to create and protect jobs, pensions and public services, and send a message to the Prime Minister.
Let the federal government know that tax cuts won’t save jobs or the economy, but child care can!
Sincerely,
Jody Dallaire, Chairperson
Child Care Advocacy Association of Canada