CFE Metro Vancouver Regional Impact Committee member Mariam (pictured above, second from left) joined a powerful panel and press conference convened at the YWCA in downtown Vancouver to relaunch and renew momentum in support of the completion of BC's promised $10aDay childcare system.
Our Lone Mothers' Economic Inclusion initiative proposes 16 priority recommendations to the Province include key recommendations to expand our $10aDay system in BC to ensure low-income parents and caregivers, many of whom are lone mothers, can work and support their families.
Mariam's Story - Delivered on Tuesday, June 25th, 2-25
Hello, my name is Mariam Roya and I am a single mother with two children living in Langley – aged 4 and 2 – impacted by hardship and economic struggle in BC. I am a leader in the Centre for Family Equity’s Lone Mothers’ Economic Inclusion Initiative.
Based on my experience, we urgently need more childcare and daycare facilities that participate in the $10-a-day program.
This initiative is essential to supporting low-income mothers like me who are often forced to choose between paying for childcare and basic necessities like rent, bills, and food.
Unfortunately, the limited number of facilities currently offering this reduced rate results in long waitlists which is impacting my family.
I have been searching and searching, and I cannot find a $10aDay space for my daughter. I have been told I likely won’t find one before she enters Kindergarten.
Expanding access to affordable childcare is not just a matter of convenience; it is a vital step toward economic stability and equity for families in need like mine.
It seems difficult to get 1 spot let alone 2 spots for my toddlers so I can focus on getting back on my feet in the working industry so I can support us better and not be in constant survival mode.
Not being able to have $10 a day childcare for my kids makes me feel very discouraged about our finances improving. Every month is a struggle mentally and financially for me.
Thank you for the opportunity to share my experiences today.
We urge you to take action today in support of $10aDay childcare.
The CFE endorses and supports the renewed $10aDay Campaign renewed message:
BC is not Delivering
In 2018 – in response to the $10aDay campaign – the BC government committed to universal $10aDay child care. 7 years into its 10-year plan, BC is not close to delivering on its promise. Access to child care is highly unequal, and BC's system of fees amounts to an unfair lottery.
Check out the new tool to track unfair fees and unfair access in BC.
We urge all to take action today through the $10aDay petition here.