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In this edition of Choices, Christina Japel, Richard Tremblay, and Sylvana Côté examine the unique childcare program in Quebec and evaluate it by analyzing the results of the Quebec Longitudinal Study of Child Development (QLSCD). As the authors explain, Quebec’s approach to childcare is different than that of most provinces because resources are allocated to service providers rather than families; furthermore, childcare is available at a fixed-fee rate for all children under the age pf four, irrespective of family income. In their research, Japel, Tremblay, and Côté also consider other studies pertaining to the importance of quality in childcare vis-à-vis child development and well-being.

In this brief study Pauline Raven and Lesley Frank review the state of child poverty in Nova Scotia between 1989 and 2003. The authors contend these studies are necessary, and should be provided by either the provincial or federal government.

Shelley Phipps examines maternity and parental benefit programs that have developed over the past decade and “what changes might still be necessary.”

In this paper Martha Friendly discusses the early learning and childcare imitative outlined in the 2004 Federal Liberal campaign. She focuses on where the plan homes from and the specific challenges Saskatchewan faces in implementing it.

In this paper Ken Battle, Sherri Torjman, Michael Mendelson and Steve Pomeroy analyze the 2005 federal budget. They commend many of the principles it advances, but note that the surplus could have been used more effectively.

Despite a strong economy in British Columbia, the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives argues that women have been largely excluded from its benefits.

In this brief report, Courchene argues that the emerging societal order is founded on the knowledge-based economy, which, accordingly, requires a new and challenging social policy paradigm.

Norma Kozhaya says this model of daycare benefits some parents and harms others. Researchers estimated that families with annual incomes between $25,000 and $40,000 were worse off under the new system, while families with incomes of $60,000 or more benefit most.

Even though there have been positive signs in the Manitoban economy, this paper cautions that problems lie ahead: a) a growing gap between rich and poor; b) the inequality between women and men in income; c) poor environmental policy; d) a growing concern for farmers; e) a failing health care system; and f) a crumbling urban infrastructure.

In a response to the March 2006 Ontario provincial budget, the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives presented an alternative budget that it suggested would aid in developing a stronger public service system. Financial inequalities, public service deficits, and tax cuts are the three areas of focus.

Analyzing the federal Conservative minority platform, the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives presents an alternative federal budget that honours commitments to prior parliamentary decisions (including child care, First Nations, cities and Kyoto), improves the lives of Canadians, and meets international obligations (including aid commitments)

As Sylvia Fuller and Lindsay Stephens describe in Cost Shift: How British Columbians are Paying for Their Tax Cut, the first order of business for the newly elected Liberal government in BC was a massive tax cut. According to Fuller and Stephens, the cuts have left a massive gap in government revenue. The authors argue this revenue gap, in tandem with the Liberals’ campaign promise to produce a balanced budget by 2004-05, has necessitated spending cuts to a number of programs. In addition to these cuts, Fuller and Stephens claim the government has engaged in ‘cost-shifting,’ transferring the expense of various services and programs from the public to individuals, families and employers.