Close X
Monday, November 11, 2024
ADVT 
National

B.C. boosts childcare funding for preschool and school-aged kids

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 01 Sep, 2023 10:02 AM
  • B.C. boosts childcare funding for preschool and school-aged kids

The British Columbia government is expanding measures to lower the cost of child care by introducing fee reductions for preschool and school-aged children.

Premier David Eby says families with children in eligible half-day preschool, as well as before- and after-school programs, could save an additional $145 per month, per child, as the program gets underway in September.

A joint statement from Eby's office and the Ministry of Education and Child Care says the province is providing the funding directly to participating childcare centres so families do not need to apply to see the savings.

It says the latest measure is in addition to savings of as much as $900 per month, per child, which families with kids who are kindergarten-aged or younger have been receiving since last December with support from the B.C. and federal governments.

Eby was in Richmond, B.C., to make the announcement, where he told the press conference that 43,000 kids and their families could benefit from new funding.

Grace Lore, minister of state for child care, says more than 95 per cent of licensed providers are participating in the government's affordability programs.

Access to affordable child care is one of the reasons why B.C.'s unemployment rate is among the lowest in Canada, she told media Thursday, saying three-quarters of the province's job growth last year was driven by women's employment.

Lore adds that having child care on school grounds "just makes sense" for families and children and B.C. is prioritizing those options as it builds and replaces schools.

 

MORE National ARTICLES

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau holds brief meeting with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau holds brief meeting with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau discussed carbon emissions and the strike by B.C. port workers during a brief meeting Friday with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith. Both leaders were in town for the first day of the Calgary Stampede, a 10-day celebration of western culture that features a parade, rodeo events, pancake breakfasts and concerts. 

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau holds brief meeting with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith

B.C. RCMP announce corruption, drug trafficking charges against former constable

B.C. RCMP announce corruption, drug trafficking charges against former constable
The B.C. RCMP says a former probationary constable at the force's Surrey detachment has been charged with multiple offences after a months-long corruption investigation. Mounties say the ex-constable, Const. Dawwd (Daoud) Soukary, faces 13 charges related to drug trafficking, breach of trust, theft, cannabis distribution and conspiracy to commit robbery.

B.C. RCMP announce corruption, drug trafficking charges against former constable

U.S. trade envoy presses Canada on digital services tax, home shopping obligations

U.S. trade envoy presses Canada on digital services tax, home shopping obligations
Canada, the United States and Mexico wrapped up a two-day status report on their shared continental trade agreement Friday as the deal that replaced NAFTA passed its three-year anniversary. There are three more years to go before a required review in 2026 that has the potential to scuttle the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, but International Trade Minister Mary Ng doesn't sound worried. 

U.S. trade envoy presses Canada on digital services tax, home shopping obligations

B.C. mass-stabbing killer apologizes to victims, cites 'enormous' drug use

B.C. mass-stabbing killer apologizes to victims, cites 'enormous' drug use
Yannick Bandaogo read his statement in French in a quiet, sometimes shaking voice, and said his addiction to crystal meth played a role in altering his mental health and behaviour. Bandaogo, 30, pleaded guilty this year to second-degree murder, several charges of attempted murder and one count of aggravated assault over the attack.

B.C. mass-stabbing killer apologizes to victims, cites 'enormous' drug use

Violent robbery at a nightclub: VPD

Violent robbery at a nightclub: VPD
The heist happened April 9th when two suspects entered the club after hours, threatened staff with a gun and knife, zap-strapped and forcibly confined six people -- and left one victim with a life-altering injury. The suspects then escaped with 25-thousand dollars in cash.

Violent robbery at a nightclub: VPD

Criminal charges likely after police dog bites Indo-Canadian off-duty cop

Criminal charges likely after police dog bites Indo-Canadian off-duty cop
Manjinder Singh Kaila, 55, was bitten by a police dog on May 29, 2021, next to his Surrey home, as the cops pursued a suspect, despite the victim yelling “it wasn’t me". The statement of claim named constables Sarbjeet Singh and Paul Baker, who were working with RCMP dog service at that time.

Criminal charges likely after police dog bites Indo-Canadian off-duty cop