A new section of the 2018 Ontario budget is going to be zeroing in on families.
Kathleen Wynne and the Ontario Liberals announced that a 2.2 billion spending plan around preschool and daycare programs. This would not be put into play until 2020, and the Liberals say that the plan will be able to cover the cost of free programs, and allow greater access to licensed child care. This comes after the recent hike to minimum wage increased the rates of daycare in many cities across the province.
The Opposition has been skeptical though, saying this is just a “Hail Mary” tactic to try and secure more votes for the election in June. Others have also criticized the Premier’s decision to govern in an eight million dollar deficit.
Despite this though, many are feeling optimistic from this announcement.
Angela Woodburn and Sharlene Granger are the co-executive directors of the London Bridge Daycare. They said that this is a great first step in the Liberal’s radical new provincial education model. Granger also went on to say that this announcement also pays tribute to many workers who have been working in this industry.
The rest of the Ontario budget was announced late this afternoon.