With International Women’s Day approaching, BC United Shadow Minister for Childcare, MLA Karin Kirkpatrick, delivered a speech on the critical state of childcare in British Columbia under the NDP and its profound implications for women’s health.
Kirkpatrick drew attention to the significant stress and anxiety endured by women as they juggle the dual responsibilities of work and caregiving, made worse by inadequate or unaffordable childcare.
She highlighted that a lack of affordable childcare may force women to skip essential medical appointments, resulting in delayed diagnoses or untreated health conditions. Since 2020, Kirkpatrick has been a vocal critic of the NDP’s childcare policies, which she characterizes as convoluted and frustrating and ultimately fail to meet the needs of families across the province.
The NDP’s failure to deliver on their election promise of universal $10-a-day childcare is evident, with childcare access worsening and families burdened with exorbitant fees and long wait lists, she said. Less than 10 percent of childcare spaces are offered at the pledged $10-a-day rate, further underscoring the NDP’s inability to fulfill their family commitments.
