children playing

Time for action

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An economic and social analysis of child care in Winnipeg
Author: 
Prentice, Susan and McCracken, Molly
Format: 
Report
Publication Date: 
20 May 2004
AVAILABILITY

Available in print for order (see SOURCE) and online for download.

Excerpt from press release: The child care sector is worth over $101 million/year to Winnipeg and employs over 3,200 workers. Childcare is both an economic driver and service provider that fosters growth and prosperity, as well as strengthens family policy in Winnipeg. Every $1 invested in child care returns $1.38 to the Winnipeg economy, and an even greater $1.43 to the Canadian economy - even before child benefits are factored in. Child care also is a job creator: for every 1 child care job, 2.15 other jobs are created or sustained. Child care affects over 12,700 households, allowing mothers and fathers to work or study, and to earn an estimated $715 million/year. According to the report, child care is an essential element in urban infra-structure. Yet, child care in Winnipeg is characterized by serious inequities: some neighourhoods have much worse access and service than others. The report maps out the uneven distribution of child care facilities. The study shows that child care is not integrated into economic development activity and planning nor community and social development. Across all sectors of our community we can - and should - do more to meet the child care needs of Winnipeg. The report calls upon the Premier of Manitoba and the Mayor of Winnipeg to establish a Child Care Task Force, with a research and action mandate.

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