November 20, 1998
(Health and Community Services)

The following statement was issued today by Joan Marie Aylward, Minister of Health and Community Services. It was also read in the House of Assembly:

I am pleased today to inform Members that this is National Child Day in this province and indeed throughout the country. It is a day when we should all celebrate with our children and recognize their value and rightful place in our society.

This morning I had the privilege of beginning my day by serving breakfast to children at the Froude Avenue Community Centre, in my district of St. John's Centre. Later today I will speak at a luncheon sponsored by the Community Services Council, at which the Lieutenant Governor will proclaim today as National Child Day in Newfoundland and Labrador. I might add that the guest speaker for that function will be Aimie Shaw, a 16 year old student from O'Donel High School in Mount Pearl, who I understand is in the gallery today. I would also like to recognize the students from St. Theresa's School, again from my district, who too, are visiting the House of Assembly today. I would like to inform members that AECENL, the Association of Early Childhood Educators of Newfoundland and Labrador have a display in the lobby of Confederation Building today in recognition of National Child Day and I encourage all members to take the time to visit this exhibit. Today we should all focus on our children and I would like to present these ribbons, provided by the Committee for the Rights of Children and Youth, for each member of this House to wear today in recognition of National Child Day.

Today this government is listening to children and families and we will continue to listen and act in their best interest. I am very pleased to announce a funding allocation of $1.2 million to enhance the Child Care Subsidy Program for licensed child care services. This measure is part of the implementation of the National Child Benefit Reinvestment Program.

The Child Care Subsidy Program has been a crucial factor in the ability of low income families with young children to remain in the workforce or make the transition to educational opportunities or to the workforce. The Child Care Subsidy Program is also intended to assist financially with the enrolment of children with developmental or social needs that can be met in child care situations and whose families are not able to fund this service. I am pleased to announce that this program will be expanded to provide access to the Child Care Subsidy Program to approximately 200 additional families which will eliminate the current waiting list. This will increase the total number of subsidized spaces to approximately 950.

Government is committed to enabling low income families to access necessary child care and to supporting operators of licensed child care centres in their efforts to provide a quality service to children and their families. This measure will also allow low income working families who require child care, to qualify for assistance with part, or all, of the child care fees. It will promote entry to the work force by families who require this additional support.

The 1992 rate for child care subsidies has been changed to a more uniform rate structure. The previous subsidy paid to child care centre operators averaged $18 per day. Now the vast majority of centres will receive $20 per day.

These measures will provide the financial support that many low income families need in order to access licensed child care services. They will meet the child care needs of families moving into the workforce. They will assist child care providers in promoting the best care possible for the children of this province.

While today is a very busy one with a major focus on children, it is only a reminder that every day is a special day for children. We can not be content with a one day recognition of our children. The National Child Benefit is providing funding to enhance services for children and families. We must work together with community groups and concerned individuals throughout the year to ensure our children receive the best possible opportunities for growth and development. We have done much to acknowledge and address our children's agenda through the Strategic Social Plan. I look forward to more positive announcements for children and families in the coming weeks.

1998 11 20       10:00 a.m.