Affordability has been a recurring theme in this election campaign, as federal party leaders court middle-class voters with promises to ease the financial burdens of raising a family. These promises, aimed at parents of young children, range from tax credits, tax cuts and increased child and parental benefits to the creation of a universal child care system.

The context

Although household income is on the rise in Canada, many families are still feeling strapped for cash. Besides the rising cost of housing, child care fees are a major source of financial pain, said Paul Kershaw, a policy professor at the University of British Columbia.

Due to its absence of a nation-wide, quality, affordable child care system, “Canada has been an international laggard for decades by comparison with other rich industrialized countries,” said Dr. Kershaw, founder of the national research and advocacy organization Generation Squeeze, which represents the interests of Canadians in their 20s, 30s and 40s. “It is one of the primary issues squeezing a younger demographic because child care often costs another rent- or mortgage-sized payment.”

Policy experts, such as Dr. Kershaw, say they are encouraged that affordable and accessible child care has made it onto the platforms of several of the major parties. But they warn even if these promises are carried out, it may take years before parents across the country actually see daycare costs decline and waiting lists shrink.

Read the full article here