We all want to make sure our kids have access to a stimulating learning environment that allows for healthy development and meaningful connections. But harder to reach communities are often stretched for resources, and rising populations makes these challenges even more acute.
That’s why I’m proud our government is investing in new child care spaces on Denman Island and funding the construction of a new school on Hornby Island. More isolated communities can have a hard time getting the support they need but New Democrats are committed to distributing resources to every corner of the province, to ensure no child is left behind.
The child care spaces on Denman are being created by the Comox Valley School district in partnership with local organizations. They received nearly $1 million to create 20 additional child care spaces for kids aged 12 months to 5 years as part of our government’s New Spaces Fund.
This funding is part of our historic $1.3 billion, made-in-B.C. child care plan that is making quality, more affordable child care available to hundreds of thousands of B.C. families. So far we have funded 10,400 new, affordable licensed child care spaces, providing relief to parents across the province, and right here on Denman Island.
Relief is also on the way for students and families on Hornby. When a fire destroyed the Hornby Island Community School in August 2018, our government stepped up and provided modular units so students could keep learning, but it was clear, a long-term solution was needed.
I’m proud we are continuing to support Hornby residents by providing $10.4 million for a new, 90-seat facility. We heard from islanders about how important a gym is to a unique community like Hornby Island, which is why the new school’s gymnasium will be the exact same size as it was at the former school. This will be a great asset to people on Hornby Island because it will be used for far more than K-12 education.
Improving the services people count on has been a priority of the New Democrat government since day one. The child care on Denman Island and the school on Hornby are just two ways we are working to improve the everyday lives of local people.