Providing options for families, such as the option of full-day kindergarten or by expanding publicly funded daycare programs, helps all families. That’s because providing these options on a universal basis lets everyone know that supports are there in case of need. Just like with publicly funded and universally available health care, the availability of universal and public child care will provide assurances that in time of need, help will be there. This is good for all families and is especially important for those who are most vulnerable.
Knowing that basic health care is universal eliminates the worry about not being covered in time of need. Likewise, the knowledge that a safe and nurturing place for children is available (no matter what happens to a family) eliminates this same kind of worry. Universal supports are needed and benefit all families in case of a sudden loss of employment, cutbacks in hours, or the need to take time off to care for an elderly parent, sick spouse or child. The risks stemming from these and other kinds of family emergencies require strong public supports so that families will have ample security and equal opportunities, regardless of economic circumstances.
Health care is provided to each Canadian by their health care professional, whose job it is to apply adequate care on an individual basis. Basic care is applied differently for each person, even though it is primarily funded under a single system. In this way health care is both universal and individual. Everyone has the same assurance that their individual health needs will be met. This is true under the current single payer system, just as it would be under a truly socialized health care system. Under either a not-for-profit single payer or an entirely socialized system, everyone is saved the worry of losing coverage or forgoing basic medical care. Even though care is applied on an individual basis, the freedom from worry is extended to everyone.
The stresses that come from needing to do whatever’s required to afford health care is foreign to those Canadians who grew up under this system. But to anyone who came to Canada from a privately funded for-profit system (such as I did, immigrating to Canada from the United States) knows the general worry that comes when health care is rationed out to the highest bidder. The lack of fear in Canada cannot be missed, as all Canadians – whether healthy today or not – have more choices and greater freedom in their work and lifestyle decisions. Unburdened by the fear of being sick and uninsured we are all freed up to focus on other values and priorities, such as spending time with family and building strong communities. This untethers many Canadians from unfair working conditions, encourages many Canadians to take time to improve job skills and allows many families to prioritize time together over time for wages. While not perfect, there is less fear and greatness fairness under our health care system.
Like health care, child care and early education can also be applied on an individual basis while also meeting the diverse needs of different families. Through community-based provision of child care, the entire range of care options can be provided or pursued, while also extending security and opportunity on a universal basis. The current lack of a fully funded public child care system in British Columbia creates enormous burdens on families and children, as many in the province are currently forced to make lose-lose decisions when it comes to figuring how to balance time at work with time with family.
As with health care, caring for children is not a choice. All children are dependent on adults in the provision of their care and education. And since care includes providing children with a home, food, clothing and opportunities for learning and growth, the burdens of providing care absent adequate supports can be overwhelming for many families. While families with ample resources can readily provide their children with all of these necessities and more, it’s more common for families to make sacrifices on valuable time together or to face impossible choices – like food on the table or supervised care by qualified care providers. For too many Canadian children, care comes at an enormous price, borne by both parents and children. In a country as rich as ours this is simply unacceptable. Our children deserve better. Families want better. And we can do better. This is why the expansion of kindergarten programs currently underway in B.C., Ontario and P.E.I. is such good news, and why we should continue to look with hope at Quebec’s example in expanding publicly funded child care for our children and families.
Given that British Columbia has Canada’s highest child poverty level, the least affordable housing markets and the worst worker and minimum wage protections in Canada, we should be especially concerned about the need for adequate social supports for all children and families. The economic conditions stemming from inequality and a shrinking middle class take time away from families being together. Less time together, coupled with stressful burdens on families in fear of losing child care options due to economic circumstances beyond their control, hurts children and weakens the fabric of our communities.
The steps toward universal child care and expanded early learning programs being take today will reduce family stress and provide children with quality care and early learning opportunities. The benefits of these programs are immeasurable to every young person in the province. Moreover, the number of parents who are now rest assured when it comes to planning for their child’s care and early learning has greatly expanded. Better career choices are opening up for all kinds of families, allowing for more flexibility and greater ease in balancing unpaid work at home and paid work outside of the home. Everyone benefits under this kind of system.
Greater security for all families strengthens the entire community and provides more opportunities for the vulnerable and excluded to be fully involved in the social and economic life of the community. Doors are opened and everyone benefits. Providing caring places for all children supports the entire community as well, making the expansion our public schools this year a welcome step in supporting equity and building strong communities for all of B.C.’s children and families.