NDP MLA BUYS TIME FOR SPRYFIELD DAYCARE

Monday March 8, 2004

Halifax – Halifax Atlantic NDP MLA Michele Raymond was working against time this weekend to find a solution to the crisis at the Riverview Children’s Centre in Spryfield.

“Over the past few days I’ve spoken with women who fought their way into the workforce, and now may be forced out again because of a loss of childcare,� says Raymond. “One mother told me that she doesn’t want her children to see her on income assistance. She is devastated that she might lose her job because of the closure of the Riverview Centre.�

“This is about more than just childcare. It’s about livelihoods,� Raymond says. “Families in this community simply cannot afford to lose this childcare centre, and I’m going to do everything I can to ensure that its doors stay open.�

The Riverview Children’s Centre was forced to close suddenly last week due to a funding crisis. Over the weekend, Raymond met with parents, staff and board members of the centre, and was in contact with the Department of Community Services.

Raymond was able to negotiate a two day reprieve for the centre and a two-week license extension, and will be meeting with Community Services officials today to try to find a long-term solution.

“The parents, the staff, the board and I are doing what we can to save this centre. Now, we need Community Services to step up and do its part, too,� says Raymond.

“This centre means too much to these mothers and their children to simply be allowed to disappear, and we’re not going to let it close without a fight.�

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