YOUNGER URGES YMCA TO REVERSE DAYCARE CLOSURE
Date: Thursday July 30, 2009

(Halifax, NS) Liberal MLA for Dartmouth East Andrew Younger is
calling on the YMCA to reverse their decision to close the daycare in
East Dartmouth. The daycare announced plans to close at the end of
October.

"There is already a shortage of daycare spaces,” explained Younger.
“It is outrageous that the YMCA expects parents to find new spots
for their children in such a short time. As a community-based
organization, the YMCA should’ve consulted with parents and the
community - the fact that didn’t happen is unacceptable.”

Younger also expressed concern for the workers at the site who will
likely lose their jobs once the daycare facility is shutdown.

“The childcare workers at the YMCA will have to quickly find new
employment in their field,” said the Liberal MLA. “It will be a very
challenging time for them and their families - it’s mid-year and
we’ll be approaching the holiday season."

Younger believes the Minister of Community Services should bring the
YMCA’s Board of Directors and the facility’s landlord together in
order to find a viable solution that would allow the daycare to continue
operating.

“Minister Peterson-Rafuse has a role to play here,” Younger said.
“Losing this daycare program will only make a bad situation that
much worse.”

"I have been on daycare waiting lists for my own son and I know how
hard it is to find a space," said Younger. “This decision will leave a
lot of families in quite a difficult position.”


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