Olivia Chow, MP

Women and Children’s Health in Canada

As Canada welcomes the G8 and G20 member nations, long overdue attention will be focused on maternal health and decreasing the mortality rates of mothers and infants in developing countries.  As we think about mothers abroad, we also need to address the lack of affordable, universal child care here at home.

In my riding in Toronto and throughout the country, I hear from numerous people who share their frustration at wanting to be a part of the work force but not being able to afford child care.  Many mothers say that they have no choice but to remain at home because they just can’t afford the expensive day care rates.  Now is the time to add your voice to the chorus of people across Canada who say “We need child care.” Share your stories here: http://weneedchildcare.ca

This Saturday, I will be speaking at 2 rallies in Ottawa:  one organized by CARE Canada in support of maternal health and one organized by the Ad Hoc Coalition for Women’s Equality and Human Rights to support affordable child care.  Affordable child care and maternal health go hand-in hand and we can achieve both goals.  Canada needs affordable child care and we need it now.