Saskatoon parents weigh in on Universal Child Care Benefit

The federal government has increased the Universal Child Care Benefit. Now, parents with children under the age of 18 will see their cheques boosted by $60 per month. Three billion dollars in cheques will be going out to Canadian families this month.

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Saskatoon Morning host Leisha Grebinski asked two mothers how much of a difference it would make in their lives.

"As a single parent, and as any parent, a little bit goes a long way," Courtney Atkins said.

A mother with a home-based business, Atkins cares for her child at home, and doesn't use a daycare.

"Every penny that we can acquire that we can put towards caring for our children is always a benefit in my mind," she said.

However, not everyone is sold on the changes.

"Sixty dollars isn't really chipping much out of my child care costs every month," mother Caitlin Knowles said. 

Knowles doesn't believe the change will help her much in the long run.

"It's reducing my tax refund at year end, and it's a taxable benefit, so I don't see much change to my overall situation."

The question of how child care benefits should be subsidized has become a polarizing issue across political lines. While the Conservative Party believes in giving individual families money, the opposition NDP and Liberals advocate building a universal child care system.

"This is a really great way for [the Conservative Party] to solidify support with their current supporters," Knowles said. "I think this is a good move for him."