Universal child care could stimulate our economy, but it may be time to stop expecting the feds to provide it

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In the last week on the federal election campaign trail, one of many important issues that has faded into the background is child care. Surprising, considering that it is the first factor families consider when deciding on one income or two.

Both the Liberal and NDP parties unveiled their take on child care in Canada under their reign, should they get the opportunity, and it is time that all citizens, with children or without, examine what we as a country believe to be the best choice.

Universally accessible child care means chid care that is available to all families, whether they earn $500 a month or $5000, child care that works as well in Albert County as it does in Moncton, and a system that allows our economy to grow.

Those who are childless may not see the sense in using their tax dollars to fund a service they won't use, but the benefits of such a system would actually reach beyond parents and children.

As more parents are working, more money is pumped into the economy, as they find cash to take kids to the movies, buy a bigger house or take that vacation.

Right now, families considering a second income must weigh the costs of child care (among other things) against the wages earned by the second partner.

This eliminates any job that offers less than $10 an hour. Part-time work is almost impossible, as most child care centres will only accept full-time applicants.

A system that creates spaces for children at affordable rates mean more jobs, as well as more workers for non-traditional jobs.

It means families at the lower end of the income levels may be able to afford healthy food and safe housing, while those on the higher end can afford to give more to charity. And more working people mean more tax money.

Perhaps the problem is in expecting the federal government to fund and support this type of program. Like any new way of doing things, this system may do best when implemented from the ground up. At the municipal level, universal child care may be an option for attracting new residents and stimulating growth and the economy.

Imagine a Riverview in which every resident is able to have their child cared for at a quality centre, subsidized by the town. Parents could afford to take jobs that they could not have before. They would no longer have to improvise child care, or worse still, leave their children alone at home.

And the children of our community would grow up knowing that there is a whole town that is responsible enough for them to ensure they are cared for, no matter their background. That is a benefit we can all reap.