Whither the issues?
February 27, 2008 | 01:57 PM
Loralee Edwards
The debate was what I expected...sorta.
Everyone talked over each other, which is standard. There were two things that stood out for me.
The first was Hinman's comments on child care. He seemed to think that supporting a daycare program tore children away from their parents; rather than support parents, which makes me wonder what his reality is. Most two-parent families need both partners working in order to live, pay rent or mortgage, eat... the basics.
Hinman's comments that Albertans have been overtaxed, so therefore we need to reduce taxes, are not going to make a huge difference the realities of most Albertans... except the rich. What we need in Alberta is our tax dollars (as well as the big oil boys) to go to social programs, like child care, affordable housing, and affordable elder care.
The second thing that struck me in the debate was the absence from all parties questioning Stelmach about the auditor general's report and the billions of dollars in uncollected oil revenue, as well as Bill 46, and the controversy over power lines and EUB spying.... Serious, serious stuff that seems to have gotten lost during this campaign.
Comments: (4)
The problem I have with the concept of universal child care is, well, the universality of it.
If asked to support five dollars/day child care for single moms, I would say no problem. If asked to support a sliding-scale subsidy based on family income, there'd be a good chance I'd yes, depending on the details.
But ask me to support subsidies for all regardless of financial need and you will not have my support.
The reality is that for many who use day care it is lifestyle choice, not a necessity. Their dual income allows them the larger home or newer vehicles or better vacations than their family could afford on a single income.
Now, I'm not writing this to deride them for their choice but the point is, it is their *choice*. I see no reason why this lifestyle choice justifies government funding.
Also, its not "Harper and Hinman" that "would like women to stay home and look after the kids", but many of the Albertan moms I know personally.
Posted February 29, 2008 12:57 PM
Denis,
Good for you that you have been able to avoid using day care, however for single parents your solution is not viable, and working split shifts is not viable or desirable for many parents.
I agree we need to support all children in Alberta, but we need affordable quality childcare in Alberta, plain and simple. I have participated on a committee in Lethbridge that has advocated for a day care at the University of Lethbridge. Our group's studies and surveys as well as the University's showed that we have NO available childcare spaces in Lethbridge - and I know this is true across the province.
So while I appreciate your solution - it does not solve the real need for child care by thousands of Albertans. It is kind of like the federal government's day care solution of $100 a month to help with day care - which does not even come near to what it costs for child care - and is useless when there are no spots available...although it does make it clear that Harper and Hinman would like women to stay home and look after the kids...
Posted February 27, 2008 05:21 PM
For myself, and many Albertans I know, Hinman's position on child care hit the nail on the head.
We are not looking for ways for the state to step in and help raise our children but rather would very much appreciate if the state would let us keep more of our own money so we can more comfortably raise our kids ourselves.
My family has not used day care. We have, at times, both worked full-time opposite shifts, combinations of full and part-time work and now have one full-time worker and a home-based business. All these variations through the years have allowed us to be the full time caregivers we believe we are called to be in our children's lives.
The circles I run are not considered rich, but yes, Hinman's approach would help us.
Posted February 27, 2008 04:28 PM
I couldn't agree more! Royalties, Bill 46, A-G's report, all got brushed under the rug. It's partly the format and partly our short-term memory. And Hinman's comments truly showed that he's still in the dark ages.
Posted February 27, 2008 03:53 PM