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Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff has taken a significant step in outlining his vision for Canada by stating that Ottawa's deficit should not be used "to shut down discussion in this country about social justice."
He's right. And by announcing, as he did Monday, that a future Liberal government would put in place a much needed national child-care program, regardless of the deficit, he has picked a good place to start.
But Ignatieff still needs to flesh out his promise with a detailed plan that says how a Liberal government would pay for a national child-care program. This is important for the credibility of both Ignatieff, whose past policy stances have been nebulous, and the federal Liberals, who have a poor record on fulfilling child-care promises.
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Ignatieff sees his proposed program as a "game-changer" that would contribute to our economy by improving outcomes for children and enabling parents to work. Unfortunately, Ignatieff has indicated he's not considering re-directing the $100-a-month cheques toward his proposed national child-care program.
Yes, taking anything away from taxpayers is politically difficult. But voters have also learned to be wary of politicians who take the easier road of promising something new without having a way to pay for it.
Ignatieff is on the right track by committing to a national child-care program. Now let's have the details.
- reprinted from the Toronto Star