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EXCERPTS
The NDP wants to know why the money the Yukon Party promised to help enrich day care workers' salaries has not found its way into their pockets.
"We've heard there's been no increase as a result of the Health minister's (promise)," NDP Health critic Gary McRobb said in an interview this morning.
The MLA said the NDP has spoken with some workers and found their wages have yet to rise. As well, the New Democrats did a telephone survey of some day cares and found there has been no "appreciable" increase in salaries.
He noted the government made a big deal a few months ago when it announced the new money for day care employees.
"Now we discover, there was no increase," said the Kluane MLA.
McRobb is concerned the government doesn't monitor what happens to the money which is given to the operators of the day care centres and day homes.
"It hasn't been targeted to the destination promised by the minister," said McRobb.
He believes the money has been passed on to the operators by the government.
"Obviously, the money hasn't reached its destination because the workers' wages haven't increased."
McRobb asked Health Minister Peter Jenkins earlier this week what has happened to the money.
"Why hasn't the minister made good on his promise to increase wages for childcare workers?" he asked on Monday.
"The simple answer is, we have," the minister replied.
Jenkins was not available for comment this morning.
Last August, Jenkins announced an $675,000-increase for the territory's 43 family day homes and 35 child care centres.
Half of that money was to go toward increasing the wages of staff.
- reprinted from the Whitehorse Daily Star