Child care should be a higher priority for public spending

Re: Region’s deficit may shutter five child-care centres — Nov. 14

Studies have proven that early childhood education leads to greater social, emotional and academic success. Thus it is a win/win situation for both children and parents.

The children at these regional centres benefit from the quality care provided by qualified early childhood educators. Many of us will recall that these professionals were hailed as heroes, because they were available 24-7 for the children of front-line workers during the first wave of COVID-19.

A recent regional council meeting focused on people giving voice to the success of the region’s early childhood education centres, as well as pleading to keep these centres open.

Several of the presenters were understandably emotional as they shared the various concerns for their special-needs children and the subsequent impacts.

As a taxpayer, mother and grandmother I was stunned that in 2020 women’s employment and children’s services are still easy prey when it comes to slashing budgets.

I wonder what the auditors suggesting these closures say about the new transit hub, the community kitchen within the new library, bike lanes, safe drug injection sites, duplication of health services, police and fire budgets, and on and on ...

Are the priorities of this community in the right order?

Joan E. Haid

Maryhill