B.C. Finance Minister Carole James broke away from the pre-budget tradition of buying shoes — but she plans to polish up an old pair — and instead visited a daycare Monday morning at the Downtown Y Child Care Centre on Broughton Street.
She will release the budget Tuesday at the legislature at about 1:30 p.m.
“I wanted to make sure that I did something that reminded us what the budget is really about. This is really about people in this province and providing them with support and ensuring we have a strong economy and nothing is more important than child care,” James told reporters.
“I think it will be no surprise that child care will be a big feature in the budget.”
James, however, did not give specifics on the child care plan, only hinting that “people will be pleased — it will be a big step.”
She said the program will be one “that fits the needs of parents, communities and businesses today.”
Last week’s throne speech promised “the largest investment in child care in B.C. history.”
Housing and affordability are expected to be other highlights of the budget.
This will be the NDP’s first full budget in 17 years and James acknowledged that it’s always a challenge meeting high expectations.
“There is a lot to fix, there are a lot problems in our province and a lot that needs to be addressed,” she said. “The public, I understand their impatience and their desire to have everything fixed overnight. People will see the focus and direction of putting people first in this budget.”
James entered the daycare read a book, Pete the Cat, as a group of a dozen children sat attentively on the carpet and next to her on a couch.
James learned some of the children’s names — Andrew, Amelia, Tyson, Audrey — and then said: “Thanks for letting me talk about child care to you guys today, so I can talk about how important it is to look after you guys.”
The children then left for snacks and playtime.
Parents and child care advocates have been anticipating an announcement on affordable childcare since it was a central campaign platform for the NDP.
September’s budget included $20 million for up to 4,100 new child care spaces but did not include plans for a universal $10-a-day program mentioned by the NDP during last year’s election campaign.
James said in the fall that the government wanted to consult with families and child care providers, and develop a plan that’s endorsed by both the NDP and the Green Party.
The NDP, running a minority government, needs the Green Party’s three seats to remain in power.
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> Go to bcbudget.gov.bc.ca for 2018 budget documents on Tuesday. Visit timescolonist.com for coverage of the budget Tuesday afternoon.
