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Premier too quiet on child-care deal: critics [CA-NL]

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Author: 
CBC News- Newfoundland
Format: 
Article
Publication Date: 
30 Mar 2006
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EXCERPTS

Liberals and New Democrats are pressuring the Newfoundland and Labrador government to make sure a national child-care plan is honoured.

All of the provinces signed a deal with the Martin government that promised up to $5 billion for a child-care system.

However, Stephen Harper's Conservative government plans to phase out that agreement and make payments directly to parents.

The Newfoundland and Labrador government has already said it will accept the new deal.

NDP Leader Jack Harris said Premier Danny Williams should fight to protect the program like he did for the Atlantic Accord.

Liberal MHA Yvonne Jones said parents have fought for years to get a national child-care plan.

She said while other provinces oppose the Conservative plan, Williams has remained silent on the issue.

Williams admitted he has been quiet, but said the government has to pick its fights.

- reprinted from the CBC