CHARLESWOOD-ST. JAMES-ASSINIBOIA PARENTS BENEFIT FROM UNIVERSAL CHILD CARE BENEFIT

January 20, 2009

(January 20, 2009) Winnipeg –Parents, not government, should choose the child care that’s best for their children, says Charleswood-St. James-Assiniboia Member of Parliament, the Honourable Steven Fletcher.

“Government should support parents’ choices, not tell them what to do,” said Steven Fletcher. “That’s why Canada’s government introduced the Universal Child Care Benefit.”

The Universal Child Care Benefit offers direct financial assistance to families by providing $100 per month for each child under the age of six. In addition, Canada’s government also directs $250-million in transfers to the provinces and territories every year. This funding supports of the creation of child care spaces across Canada.

“Children and families are a priority of our Government,” said Fletcher. “We will continue to strive to help each family meet its diverse needs.”

There are approximately five thousand children under the age of six in Charleswood-St. James-Assiniboia riding. With each child under six receiving $1200 a year in child care benefits, that adds up to six million dollars in universal child care benefits inserted into the riding. 

For more information on Canada's Universal Child Care Plan, visit http://www.universalchildcare.ca  or call 1 800 O-Canada (1 800 622-6232).