REVP Statement: International Women's Day 2019

On International Women's Day, we celebrate women's leadership, innovation and determination to make the world a better and more equal place.

PSAC members, in particular, have much to be proud of and to celebrate on International Women’s Day.

On this year’s International Women’s Day, PSAC-Prairies is calling on all members and allies to push for for universal child care in the 2019 federal election.

For many families, child care is the second highest expense after housing. The average cost per child is $30 to $80 a day, or over $1,000 a month. For others, it’s simply unattainable because there are no spaces for 78% of children under the age of six.

Experts agree that public investment in a national child care system would pay for itself, and that the widespread and long-lasting economic, social, and health benefits for children and society far outweigh the costs. Accessible, affordable, quality childcare can help promote women's equality and reduce Canada's gender pay gap.

We are encouraged by the work being doing by the Government of Alberta with its pilot projects of $25/day child care centres. But more must be done in Alberta and even more in Saskatchewan, where the Canadian Centre for Policy Analysis (CCPA) has given the provincial government’s policies a failing grade. In Manitoba, there are worrying signs for the future as the Pallister government looks to cut costs throughout the system.

We are calling on the federal government to take a leadership role. Child care has been talked about for years, but Canadian families deserve action. The government must invest in a national, affordable child care program for all families in Canada That is why universal child care must be priority in the 2019 federal election.

Please add you name to the PSAC letter to let let all party leaders know that we need a #ChildCareChampion!

Please also see the attached poster.

In solidarity,