Meeting Minutes
June 7, 2010
In Attendance:Connie Gress, Chair Suzanne Huggins, Treasurer
Melissa Brandt, L40064 Mary-Anne McGrath (Guest)
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m.with introductions and welcome to Mary-Anne McGrath, Executive Director of the Regina Early Learning Centre.
Ms. McGrath made a presentation on the Early Learning Centre which was established in 1976. The Centre delivers different types of programming including: pre-school; kids first; family literacy; women’s support group and parenting first. The Centre receives some funding through the United Way; however they have been affected with the provincial government’s recent cut to the CVA grant. The Centre is currently in need of funds for programming. The most critical period for brain development in children is between 0-5 years of age; the Centre promotes language and cognitive development through its pre-school program to ensure children are ready for their elementary school years. Approximately 200 families use the Centre each year.
The following two resolutions were reviewed and adopted for submission to the National Women’s Conference:
Resolution: Childcare Policy
Submitted by: ReginaWomen’s Committee
Date of Meeting Resolution Adopted: June 7, 2010
The PSAC will work or lobby the employer (Treasury Board) to ensure that the childcare travel policy is revised to ensure that it is not discriminatory and is relevant to employees in the today’s workplace.
Because policies such as the Childcare policy and the eligibility to claim childcare expenses during travel status is discriminatory to employees whose spouses/partners may work shift work or be away from home at the same time.
Because the current policy is restrictive and only allows for individuals to claim expenses if they are single parents or their spouses are also federal government employees and are away at the same time.
Because no employee should be out-of-pocket for expenses incurred in the performance of their duties.
Resolution: National Childcare Program
Submitted by: ReginaWomen’s Committee
Date of Meeting Resolution Adopted: June 7, 2010
The PSAC should develop a NEW campaign to continue to lobby the federal government for a comprehensive national childcare program.
Because parents continue to have limited access to affordable childcare programs and the current support program put in place by the Conservative government do not assist working parents to a great enough extent.
Because a national childcare program that everyone can access and is consistent and affordable will benefit the future generations in greater education and economic opportunities.
The meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m.