David Eby defends his family’s use of $10-a-day daycare program

British Columbia's NDP leader David Eby has defended his family's use of the province's $10-a-day childcare program. Eby revealed on the campaign trail that one of his children is part of the program, which was initiated by his predecessor John Horgan in collaboration with the federal government under former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Despite increasing demand, Eby's government announced a three-year pause on expanding the program this spring. The program is still in high demand, with only 10% of B.C.'s daycare spaces designated as $10 a day, and many parents paying between $40 to $100 a day. In response to criticism, Eby stated that his child had been using the daycare before it was designated as $10-a-day and that he "donated the difference" to the childcare provider to help other families in the area.

Eby emphasized his focus on ensuring that British Columbians benefit from affordable child care, and explained that the program was included in the federal agreement to benefit more residents. Critics from the BC Conservatives accused Eby of hypocrisy, given the party's proposal to cut the program, but the party merely expressed shock at Eby's admission.