A Vancouver couple who just welcomed their second child want other parents to know they are facing unexpected financial burdens due to the province’s policies.
Lena Shillington and Ryan Suds welcomed baby Susan into their family five weeks ago.
She lives with her 3-year-old sister Grace, who is currently in day care, because she receives a $500 monthly stipend through the state child support program.
“That was a consideration. We couldn’t afford to have two kids in daycare at the same time, so some consideration was given to separating their ages,” Shillington said. said.
But this week, the family received a call from the state government with bad news.
Families with parents on parental leave are not eligible for child benefits.
Shillington and Suds must now make a decision.
With family income already reduced due to the holidays, they can take on an additional $6,000 in debt over the next 12 months to keep Grace in day care.
Or they might pull the toddler out of daycare and disrupt their daily routine during a critical period of early childhood development.
“I know there are families in far worse situations and will be hit even harder,” Suds said. Childcare. “
The Ministry of Education and Child Care declined to interview Minister Rachna Singh or Child Care Minister Grace Lore.
Instead, the department sent an unsigned statement.
“ACCB is not available when a parent is on parental leave, unless the parent has a medical condition that prevents them from caring for the child,” the statement said.
He did not respond to CTV News’ questions about why this policy was adopted.
“You can either take on $6,000 in debt or send your child to day care, and you don’t want to take your child out of day care,” Suds said. We have a new child. ”
The couple say they plan to take on additional debt to keep their toddler in daycare for the time being, but they wish the government had never put them in this position.
