Original Letter From Melissa Schuurman, CUPE local 4879 On behalf of the CUPE BC Public Childcare Now campaign
Hello,
I am writing to you on behalf of CUPE BC’s Childcare campaign, which recommends implementing a universal public childcare system that is integrated into our public school system. As David Fleming noted at the OMDC meeting last Saturday (Nov.20th), I am a local representative from CUPE local 4879 (Thompson Rivers University) in Kamloops, B.C. and I am helping to make local connections and awareness about this provincial campaign.
The provincial government is committed to $10 per day childcare, a model CUPE BC strongly supports and advocates for. The federal government is committing significant resources supporting childcare for kids aged 0-5, but what’s missing is new spaces for school-aged kids.
CUPE BC began the campaign for universal public childcare by promoting the “Seamless Day” model for kindergarten-aged kids. Now that that model is being piloted, in more than 20 districts, it’s time to take the next step: before and after school childcare for all school age children.
An email was recently sent out from Karen Ranaletta, CUPE BC President, to Local Presidents and those on CUPE BC’s directory with a link to the campaign website. If you haven’t had a chance to review the campaign website and sign the petition, I would encourage you to do so now. I would also encourage you to share this information with your Local and fellow CUPE members so that we can bring more awareness to this important issue. I have attached some informational sheets for your reference. If you would like a presentation at your next general meeting or further information about how you can support this campaign, please do not hesitate to contact me. For those locals who have members working with school districts, I would like to work specifically with you on reaching out to about DPAC and Parent outreach.
Thank you in advance for your contribution and support.