VICTORIA – Andrew Wilkinson’s official spokesperson on children and family development revealed Monday what the B.C. Liberals think of investments in child care.

Here is what Laurie Throness, Andrew Wilkinson’s official spokesperson for children and family development, said in the legislature Monday:

There is economic gain if only high-income earners are subsidized

“There could be some economic gain if those entering the workforce were high-income earners, but by definition, those who benefit from this subsidy are low-income earners”

Child care isn’t needed, and parents should stay home

“I find it strange that the government…ignores the cries of an infant leaving its parent, who has to go to work, and the sadness of a parent who would rather stay home with their new baby for a while.”

He also said on Thursday, speaking against a universal child care program, “I can tell you how many child care spaces we have right now in B.C. We have one full-time, 24-hour-a-day space for every child in B.C. By law, child care is now, and always has been, universal and 24-7.”

That investing in machines to replace workers is a better investment than child care

“If the government really wants to grow the economy… it will provide incentives to… replace human workers with software and machines.”

He continued that software and machines “don’t get tired or ill or make mistakes… don’t ask for wages and …happily work 24 hours a day.”

Quote:

New Democrat MLA Katrina Chen (who is also the B.C. Minister of State for Child Care) said, “We have a plan to make child care better for hard-working people across B.C. When the B.C. Liberals say they would rather replace workers with robots and that child care is not needed, it becomes completely clear why they’re no longer in government.

“The B.C. Liberals still aren’t there for people. They’re only there for themselves and the very wealthiest.”

Video of the B.C. Liberal’s official spokesperson’s comments can be seen here: http://bit.ly/2F1iolk