Quebec daycares hold province-wide protests
Provincial government plans to cut $120 million from non-profit, publicly-funded daycares
Protests across the province were held today to denounce the Quebec government's plan to cut $120 million from publicly-subsidized child-care centres.
Thousands of daycare workers, parents and citizens gathered in 18 different cities, including Montreal, Quebec City and Gatineau.
- Quebec daycares threaten closures over cuts to provincial funding
- Quebec daycares protest cuts in provincial funding
Many worry Quebec's cuts will affect specialized services in daycares, which help students who have learning difficulties or need extra help with language.
Anne Loiselle says cuts will directly impact the care her son receives in daycare.
"For me it was important to be here today," said Loiselle. "With CPEs, it's a big family. We help and receive help."
"If we cut budgets, then they sure cannot continue to do what they do now."
The Association Québécoise des Centres de la Petite Enfance (AQCPE), the association representing non-profit, publicly-funded daycares, launched a campaign in January to counter the looming budget cuts.
Louis Sénécal, president of the association, says that cuts could mean the loss of over 2,000 jobs — including 900 alone in the Montreal region.
Quebec daycares could also close their doors as a pressure tactic starting in March.
With files from la Presse Canadienne