”DAYCARE BY MAIL: Stephen Harper’s Plan for Childcare” (Part 1)

How much credit would you place in a proposal to reform education by giving cash exclusively to students (instead of to schools and teachers)? or a new national defense plan that rested on writing cheques so citizens can buy their own weapons? The federal Conservative government is persuaded that this logic -- providing cash instead of services -- can solve Canada''s childcare crisis. Susan will review the new "Choice in Childcare Allowance" (the taxable $100/month per child cheque) to consider what ''daycare by mail'' means both to the future of childcare as well as to the Harper government''s approach to public policy. Dr. Susan Prentice, Ph D. Susan Prentice is Associate Professor of Sociology at the University of Manitoba, where she specializes in gender, family and public policy (particularly childcare). She held the Margaret Laurence Chair in Women''s Studies (prairie region) from 1993 - 1996, and continues to be actively involved in feminist and social justice community alliances. Among other projects, she participates in provincial and national childcare advocacy, and was one of the eight faculty women who recently successfully challenged the federal government over lack of equity in the Canada Research Chairs program. Her current research includes a Status of Women Canada-funded project on the economic and social impact of childcare in three Manitoba regions, which she is undertaking with the Child Care Coalition of Manitoba. Moderator: Trevor Page Location: Sven Ericksen¹s Family Restaurant (lower level) 1715 Mayor Magrath Drive S., Lethbridge, Alberta Time: Noon to 1:30 p.m. / Cost: $8.00 includes lunch