Jones – Government Limiting Childcare Choices for Families

(Dufferin-Caledon) – Today, Sylvia Jones, MPP questioned the Minister Responsible for Early Years and Child Care about the report from the Globe and Mail that the government will be restricting families’ access to afterschool programs.

“Parents in Ontario are constantly struggling to find affordable child care options,” said Jones.

“And yet a Globe and Mail article reports that the government is placing more restrictions on what qualifies as after-school care,” said Jones.

“Under the Minister’s restrictions, business offering unique programming such as theatre and dance will only be able to offer them 3 days a week,” said Jones.

“Children go to school 5 days a week, and working families need options,” said Jones.

“This government appears to be on a mission to reduce the choice and availability of after school care in Ontario,” said Jones.

“To quote a mom in the Globe and Mail article, ‘it feels wrong to have the government come in and tell you what you are able to choose for your child for an after school program,” said Jones.

“How does limiting after school programing, help hard working families already struggling to find after school programs for their children?” asked Jones.