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Frustrated parents and child-care workers sent a loud message to Prime Minister Stephen Harper Monday morning demanding increased funding and more spaces for a pan-Canadian day-care system.

Under the banner of Code Blue for Child Care, a nationwide organization, they came from all points east and west to gather at a Byward Market child-care centre to accuse Harper of turning his back on their children.

"Stephen Harper is clearly out of touch with &emdash; or he doesn't care about &emdash; the child-care crisis facing the majority of families today," charged spokeswoman Susan Harney. "Harper's answer when families ask why there isn't space for their children is a measly, taxable $100 a month and then he sends families out to fend for themselves. He might like to portray himself as a concerned leader, but it takes more than a sweater vest to do that. He isn't fooling anyone."

According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, Canada ranks dead last in spending and programs for children and families.

For parents already struggling financially, not to mention low-paid child-care workers, a major cash injection can't come quickly enough.

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- reprinted from the Ottawa Sun