The Ministère de la Famille du Québec does not intend to allow Ukrainian families newly arrived in the province access to subsidized daycare if a place is available.
Posted at 11:23 am
Nicolas Bérubé The press
“The same criteria apply to determining eligibility for the reduced fee for all parents residing in Quebec, including Ukrainian nationals,” notes Bryan St-Louis of the Communications Department of the Ministère de la Famille.
People admitted to Canada under the Canada-Ukraine Emergency Travel Authorization are not eligible for the reduced contribution because they are not considered refugees and are not in Quebec primarily for work, he says.
“However, these people have access to childcare offers from non-subsidized daycare centers, to offers from daycare centers and to the childcare tax credit. »
Brigitte Carré, who is helping a Ukrainian family with their integration process in Quebec, does not understand Quebec’s position.
“The government says that Ukrainians are not primarily in Quebec to work. Well, then why are you here? They are on vacation ? You are literally equipped with a work visa! It’s an absurd position. I worked in the youth welfare office for 34 years, but I have to say that such a statement has never been made before. »
Simon Landry, who is volunteering to host a Ukrainian family of five at his home in the metro area, says the government’s stance on the matter is “insensitive”.
“The provincial government’s persistence in denying access to Ukrainians is regrettable. The Family Ministry is resorting to a ridiculous bureaucratic formality to engage in petty politics on this matter,” he said.
Mr. Landry notes that the point is not to favor Ukrainians and put them ahead of other families waiting for a subsidized kindergarten place.
“No one is asking for preferential treatment. There are places in Quebec where it is difficult to get a seat. But in Montreal it is possible to have a place. There are daycare centers that are ready to take them in tomorrow morning, but those who cannot do so have their hands tied by this decision by the ministry. »
He says the parents of the family he hosts were finally able to secure their 2-year-old son a place at a $45-a-day private daycare that’s “much less appealing” than the subsidized daycare that was ready for him. welcome.
“This family now has to spend $225 a week on daycare. It’s difficult for her. The man works but doesn’t earn much and the woman wants to learn French. Again, it is not a lack of space, but a bureaucratic decision. »
Ms. Carré notes that the Canadian government in Poland invites Ukrainians to come to the country and tells them they will be treated as full citizens. “But the Ukrainians come here and have closed their doors. You will not be treated as a citizen. In this case it is wrong. »