More sleight-of-hand from BC Liberal Government: February 2003

BC Coalition of Women's Centres

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February 12, 2003
for immediate release

More sleight-of-hand from BC Liberal Government

Minister Lynn Stephens follows in footsteps of Premier Vander Zalm

British Columbia -- Today, the BC Government announced they are making changes that will allow more low income families to keep a provincial child care subsidy. The BC Government is increasing the income threshold under which families can get a subsidy by $100.00.

But after some research, the BC Coalition of Women’s Centres discovered what Minister of State Lynn Stephens' announcement really means:

Before April 2002, a single mom with one child could earn $1582.00, or about $9.20 per hour, and still qualify for a subsidy.

After April 2002, she could earn $1297.00, or $8.11 per hour, and still qualify for a subsidy.

Now, she can earn $1397.00, or $8.73 per hour.

The facts are that this increase does not make up for what was originally cut by the BC Government. This sleight-of-hand announcement by Minister Stephens does not acknowledge the fact that her Government is still implementing a reduction in the income threshold levels, disqualifying thousands of BC women from receiving subsidies.

Further, this fabricated increase does not account for the change in the formula of how daycare is funded, which is hurting (and will close) many daycares. It does not address the issue of how many women have lost their daycare spots because of the original cut. Neither does it compensate for all the other cuts women have faced in income supports and other programs.

What’s most important to note is that the $368.00 subsidy for a single mom with one child is exactly the same as it was under Bill Vander Zalm’s Social Credit Government (1992).

Although Minister Stephens’ announcement declares that parents will qualify for a “full” subsidy, the average daycare space in a rural community is $450.00+. The Child Care Subsidy program does not provide a full subsidy, but rather, still forces low income parents to come up with a minimum of $984.00 per year.

According to Minister Stephens’ announcement, the “extra” money is the result of “careful budget management and savings in the Ministry of Human Resources.”

The BC Coalition of Women’s Centres is outraged that this Government brags about saving money from one ministry which assists people in poverty, in order to give it to another ministry which assists people in poverty.

The BC Coalition of Women’s Centres calls on Minister Stephens to do the math and stop trying to bamboozle BC women. BC women are no further ahead, and they are smart enough to know this “increase” will not improve their situation.

The BC Coalition of Women’s Centres demands that Child Care subsidies and grants be restored to pre-April 2002 levels.

If you have questions/comments for BCCWC, please e-mail us at bcwomen@telus.net For other contact information, please go to our Information Page

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This page last updated: February 12, 2003
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