BC NDP reacts to full day Kindergarten delay

VANCOUVER
– Chaos reigned this week for parents and schools confused over the
Campbell
government’s flip-flopping on all day kindergarten next fall. 

With kindergarten registration underway across B.C., Early Childhood Development Critic Claire Trevena says the
Campbell
government has been utterly confusing in their talk of phasing in expanded kindergarten for five-year-olds. 



"Education Minister Shirley Bond should have done her homework before giving parents false hope," said Trevena.

“I’ve heard from many discouraged parents who were hoping to enroll
their five-year-olds this fall in full-day kindergarten this week,”
said Trevena. "The fact that the Education Minister hasn’t been clear
on this issue raises questions about how serious the government was
about all-day kindergarten in the first place. 

"Parents
deserve real solutions that recognize the importance of early learning
opportunities for children in the critical years of their development,
but all they’re getting from the
Campbell
government are more unanswered questions. 

“The
Campbell
government has had eight years to invest in children in B.C. but
instead they've chosen to squander billions on pet projects like the
Convention Centre or a retractable roof for B.C. Place,” said Trevena.
“It’s time for Minister Bond to come clean with B.C. parents and admit
her government has no intention of investing in B.C.'s youngest
citizens anytime soon." 

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Media Contact: Leah Herman (604) 775-2405 or (604) 802-8376 

Susan Farmer

Legislative Assistant

New Democrat Official Opposition