Chamber lobbies for more child care funding in B.C. budget

Jun 2, 2020 | 4:39 PM

The Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce would like to see child care, economic development and mental health funding be budget priorities for the B.C. government in the coming year.

In input for the 2021 budget, the chamber told a select standing committee on finance about the need for a $10-a day child care plan, and funding to create more licensed spaces and to train early childhood

The chamber cited support for a recent City of Vernon child care action plan.

“We frequently hear from our members that attraction and retention of employees is challenging because of the lack of child care, and this ultimately has a significant impact on employers’ ability to operate and contribute fully to the economy,” said Robin Cardew, chair of the Chamber’s advocacy committee.

As for economic development, the chamber is asking the province to allocate funds to initiatives
that support economic success.

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“As an example, the hotel room tax is forwarded to municipalities after the funds are received by the government. With tax payments by businesses deferred until September, that money is not reaching municipalities. Beyond this, Covid restrictions on travel have negatively impacted the source of the tax,” said Cardew.

“The slow pace of processing the hotel tax to municipalities and marketing initiatives does not allow for advanced planning by destination marketing organizations. Once a solid reopening of B.C. is apparent, funding must flow quickly to ensure tourism bounces back as soon as possible.”

The chamber’s input also included a request for increased funding for treating prolific offenders while incarcerated, post-release housing with support programs, local residential treatment for low-income residents, and reimbursement for individuals seeking private addiction treatment.

“Treatment and housing enhances safety for high-risk individuals, communities and businesses, and the ultimate goal is to provide individuals with the assistance they need to become full partners in society,” said Cardew.

The Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services is expected to present a 2021 budget report to the Legislative Assembly in August. British Columbians can submit ideas for the budget before June 26, 2020 at https://consultations.leg.bc.ca/Submission/Create?cons=Budget2021

by Vernon Matters Staff

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