Never mind that what many parents want, particularly for under-twos, is the ability to look after their own children, at home or through family and friends. The latest consultation paper is full of proposals for publicly financed institutional care, but is entirely silent on any measures that might allow parents to make their own choices. Some will choose to access a range of formal and informal care, while others will adjust work and child care so that the parents are able to provide it. In contrast, the day-care industry sees only one option, institutional care. Child-care advocates are endlessly eager to spend public money, but rather less vocal when it comes to explaining who is going to pay.
Additional money is proposed for health initiatives and family resource programs.
The provincial cost alone would add five per cent to provincial personal income taxes. The increased taxes will reduce the choices of parents who seek to provide their own care and who will attract no public subsidy, but will be compelled to share the costs of those who prefer institutional care. The Ontario government should resist this steamroller. - reproduced from The Ottawa Citizen.