Message from the
Minister of State for Child Care
I am proud of the steps taken in British Columbia to provide the strongest start possible for B.C.'s children. Government
has many valued partners who share the responsibility for enriching young minds and maximizing their potential.
Child care is one of the most vital resources for B.C.'s parents. Despite a significant challenge posed by the loss of federal
early learning and child care funding, the Province is protecting services for the province's most vulnerable children and
families. The Ministry is protecting the provincial subsidy program which supports approximately 25,000 low and middle income
families, as well as the supported child development program which ensures more than 5,500 children with special needs can
take part in community child care programs.
Quality child care, combined with early childhood and infant development initiatives, are critical to success in school and
in life. That is why the Ministry enthusiastically supports cross government initiatives such as LEAP BC, Success by 6® and
StrongStart BC.
Across government, we are working with parents, caregivers, Aboriginal organizations and other community groups to enhance
services for children and youth with special needs such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, and
early hearing screening and intervention services.
The Service Plan reflects the Ministry's commitment to expand community centre style hubs around the province that offer integrated
child and family development, education and health services, thereby making it easier for families to access a full suite
of services.
Another innovative way we are striving to ease pressures on busy families is through WorkLife BC. This province-wide campaign
encourages employers to gain the edge in a competitive job market by offering greater workplace flexibility for employees.
In addition, we are committed to the Boost BC campaign, delivered jointly with the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia
and the British Columbia Automobile Association, to increase booster seat use in B.C. for children four to eight years of
age.
Families, communities, businesses, organizations and government are all crucial partners in contributing to safe, supportive
environments for our children. Working together, we are achieving the Province's goal of making B.C. the best place to raise
a family, live and play, work, invest and get ahead.
I am the Minister of State for Child Care and under the Balanced Budget and Ministerial Accountability Act, I am responsible for the following results for 2007/08:
- Develop and implement an action plan to maximize the benefits of federal contributions for child care and prepare a strategy
for transition to an appropriate level of provincial funding.
- Collaborate with the Ministers of Advanced Education, Health and Education to explore the potential for a pilot program for
parents of children with Autism.
Honourable Linda Reid
Minister of State for Child Care
February 12, 2007