Planned childcare cuts by the Ford Government are being reduced by at least two thirds. That's according to Mayor John Tory, who tweeted out the following statement this morning:
TWITTER/Mayor John Tory
At the start of 2019, the province said it was working toward a cost-sharing model with municipalities that would result in Ontario only covering 80 per cent of the costs of subsidized childcare spaces, instead of the 100 per cent funding structure.
Speaking to our media partner, CP24, Tory acknowledged that the province had a change of heart.
“Although no reduction in funding would be best, we have not been notified that we won’t lose as much, now only $2-$5 million,” Tory said. “While I am happy about this step in the right direction and comment the province on this progress, I will continue to advocate for more child care funding from the other governments and not less.”
CP24 goes on to say that a spokesperson for Ontario Minister of Education Stephen Lecce confirmed Tory’s estimate was accurate, and said cities were informed of the exact figures on Friday.
Councillor Joe Cressy addressed the funding cut reduction, adding he believes the cuts will likely deepen again in 2021.
"What's happening is we have an absence of childcare, of affordable childcare in our city. That's where it starts. We have 17 thousand people on a waiting list for subsidies for childcare - that's low income families - and then for everybody who can afford childcare, you can't find a spot, so you're on waiting lists," Cressy told CP24.
Cressy goes on to say, "What we've heard, just this morning, is that while they're slightly reducing those cuts this year, they're going to carry on just as severely next year."
Cressy says it's a Band-Aid solution and is calling for a total reversal of the cuts and an investment in childcare going forward.
With files from CP24