children playing

Don't mimic Sweden [CA]

Printer-friendly versionSend by emailPDF version
Letter to the Editor
Author: 
Pettersson, Bo C.
Format: 
Article
Publication Date: 
11 Dec 2006
AVAILABILITY

See text below.

Re: The facts on child care: Counterpoint, Martha Friendly, Dec. 8.



Ms. Friendly seems to suggest that Canadian parents would prefer to leave their children in day nurseries if they had the opportunity, rather than take care of them by themselves. Honestly, how likely is it that parents bring children into this world only to hand them over to their nearest day nurseries?

...

For us Swedes who, 35 years ago, bought into the rotten product that is tax-funded, out-of-home childcare, the debate in Canada is painful to follow. The national daycare plan Ms. Friendly advocates has already been tried in Sweden, where it has made parents and children unhappier and the entire country poorer. Canada should not repeat the mistake Sweden made so many years ago.

Bo C. Pettersson, Vasteras, Sweden

- reprinted from the National Post
Region: 
Tags: