LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Preschool needs strong programs

Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland promised funding for a national childcare program. I was somewhat alarmed because it sounded more like a promise to help parents rather than to help children.

In spite of the fact that K-12 education, even post-secondary education to some extent, is publicly funded, regulated and administered in Canada, we relegate the most important stage in a person's intellectual, emotional and social development, i.e., up to five years, to the private sector.

All federal transfers earmarked for child care must be spent on early intervention, preferably through schools so that there is a continuum of learning. Caregivers must be trained and certified as specialists in early childhood development and learning. Preschool programs must be publicly funded and administered; however, their use should be optional for parents. There is research which shows that there are huge long-term economic and social benefits of high quality preschool programs.

A report from the MIT Workplace Center found that every dollar invested in quality early care and education saves taxpayers up to $13 in future costs. Early stimulation of children adds immensely to quality of life and the economic health of a society. Verda Petry, Regina

Thanks to our hospital workers

Late in the evening of Oct.

1 I had to go to the Pasqua Hospital emergency room with some health issues that kept me there overnight until they could clear things up the morning of the 2nd.

I just wanted to comment on the amazing staff that was working at that time. From the initial sign in, through all the testing that was done and as well just general checking on patients between things, there was never anything other than the utmost professionalism shown by everyone that I encountered or could see while in the room. There was never anything other than smiles, encouragement and the incredible patience shown by all the staff. During the entire time I was there, I did not hear a single raised voice or see any signs of impatience.

How they can continue to act in such a caring and compassionate manner is a tribute to both their training as well as their personal ability to deal with things in the face of adversity that is facing the world now.

During my career as a police officer, I dealt with doctors and nurses on a weekly and — in more situations than I care to remember — a daily basis, and have always had the utmost respect for these hardworking people. But it is not until you experience their job from the other side by being a patient do you get a view of what they are going through every day. On top of dealing with the medical issues, staffing problems and now COVID-19 they still have the time and compassion to deal with a scared patient going through whatever medical issue they have.

To all the nurses and doctors and support staff in Regina and as well other hospitals and care homes, doctors offices and medi-centres: You are doing amazing and important work and we won't make it without you.

M. Wood, Regina

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