BC United leader Kevin Falcon is urging the NDP government to visit Starbright Children香蕉视频直播檚 Development Centre to see firsthand the 香蕉视频直播榠ncredible things香蕉视频直播� it香蕉视频直播檚 doing for kids in Kelowna and area.
Falcon visited the centre Thursday (April 13) to meet with administration and staff and hear their concerns after the NDP pulled funding for the not-for-profit organization earlier this year.
香蕉视频直播淚t香蕉视频直播檚 never the wrong time to do the right thing,香蕉视频直播� said Falcon. 香蕉视频直播淚 want the NDP government to not just provide a stay of execution for two years but to say we香蕉视频直播檙e going to keep this going because it香蕉视频直播檚 a good thing for the community.香蕉视频直播�
In January, funding for Starbright was diverted by the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) to a new pilot program of Family Connection Centres (FCC), including one in Kelowna, leaving hundreds of families unsure exactly how services will be provided for their children.
READ MORE: Kelowna childcare facility given two-year extension, supporters shine at rally
香蕉视频直播淲hat I香蕉视频直播檝e heard is just how difficult it香蕉视频直播檚 been,香蕉视频直播� added Falcon. 香蕉视频直播淭hey香蕉视频直播檝e lost staff because of the uncertainty, families and parents have been traumatized, because their kids have been getting exceptional service here.香蕉视频直播�
Falcon had this message for the NDP.
香蕉视频直播淧lease come and take some time to listen to the parents and the people that work here and understand the great work that they香蕉视频直播檝e done for 65 years in this community. Don香蕉视频直播檛 shut down what香蕉视频直播檚 working.香蕉视频直播�
Starbright was set to close at the end of June. Due to pressure from parents, the community, city councillors and local MLAs, the organization was given a two-year extension to remain open.
The BC United leader added, should his party eventually form government, it would be 100 per cent committed to funding Starbright.
香蕉视频直播淲e have been fighting the NDP from day one when they announced this hub model. We need to get them to move away from this idea that government knows best.香蕉视频直播�
Starbright Executive Director, Dr Rhonda Nelson told Capital News that having Falcon visit was affirmation for the board, staff and families.
香蕉视频直播淭his was amazing香蕉视频直播hat someone in government would come and actually see our facility and see what we do and be able to engage in discussion.香蕉视频直播�
Starbright has not heard anything further from MCFD since its contract was extended.
香蕉视频直播榃e are clinging to hope right now because we want to be here to serve our families and the words that were spoken today were very reassuring,香蕉视频直播� added Nelson.
READ MORE: Strong feelings for Kelowna香蕉视频直播檚 Starbright Child Centre delivered to Legislature
gary.barnes@kelownacapnews.com
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