Keep the Guy Favreau daycare centre open
MONTRÉAL, Dec. 15, 2017 /CNW Telbec/ - The Public Service Alliance of Canada, Quebec Region (PSAC-Quebec) fully endorses the sustainability of the Guy Favreau Complex daycare centre in downtown Montréal.
"It's time for Justin Trudeau's Liberal government to walk the talk", stated Magali Picard, PSAC-Quebec Regional Executive Vice-President. "During the 2015 election campaign, the government said it would be doing more for the middle class. Well, here's an opportunity to help close to 100 families that rely on the Guy Favreau daycare. Why are things moving at a snail's pace?"
This daycare centre provides services mainly to federal workers in Montréal's downtown. Up until 2016, and in accordance with the Policy on Workplace Day Care Centres, it was being subsidized by its sponsoring department, Employment and Social Development Canada. Since then, no other federal agency or department has agreed to provide sponsorship.
Almost a year later, short on funding, the daycare centre had to dip into its meager surplus to pay its rent, at market value.
"2017 is coming to an end and we are talking about $30,000 annually. The daycare centre cannot rely on piecemeal funding every year. Justin Trudeau and his government must comply with their own policy and ensure the daycare's sustainability. Where there's a political will, there's a way!", added the union leader.
Following months of talks, the federal government is prepared to pay part of the funding needed for 2017 and 2018. It is however crucial that the government provide full funding for that period and quickly agree with the daycare board of directors on a viable long-term solution.
"The Guy-Favreau daycare centre will have to shut down unless it receives full and recurrent funding. We're making a final plea on behalf of our members whose children attend this daycare and receive quality services", concluded REVP Picard.
Note that the Quebec Government has already committed to its maximum annual grant and that the daycare cannot overcharge parents to offset its deficit. The federal government must therefore sponsor the Guy Favreau daycare centre to help cover the shortfall.
Profile of PSAC-Quebec
PSAC represents more than 180,000 members across Canada. PSAC-Quebec is an FTQ affiliate representing more than 40,000 members, including federal workers and 25,000 university workers.
SOURCE Alliance de la Fonction publique du Canada, région du Québec
For further information: Patrick Leblanc, PSAC-Quebec, 514-706-5997, [email protected]
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