The Ministry of Children and Family Development and BC Housing have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to create new licensed child-care spaces in existing and planned social housing developments, announced Linda Reid, Minister of State for Child Care.

"The Province recognizes the importance of maintaining and expanding child-care partnerships to serve the diverse needs of B.C. children and families," said Reid. "Teaming up with BC Housing to locate these
centres within social housing projects will help to lessen some of the challenges faced by vulnerable families in British Columbia."

The ministry is committing $2.5 million to three social housing sites for the creation of a total of 109 new licensed group child-care spaces. The three sites selected are located in Surrey, Vancouver and Dawson Creek.

"We know that providing child care close to home can reduce some of the barriers to employment, schooling and healthy participation in the community," said Rich Coleman, Minister responsible for Housing. "This project is another example of a healthy, integrated approach to supporting low-income families."

"The Fraser region has the highest proportion of children in this province," said Dave Hayer, MLA for Surrey-Tynehead. "I am pleased that Atira Women's Resource Society has been selected to provide child-care services for children and their families in the community."

The MOU - the second such agreement with BC Housing - will ensure child care continues to operate for a minimum of 10 years at the three sites. The first MOU was signed in July 2007 when the ministry invested $2.5 million to help create over 100 new licensed child-care spaces at social housing projects in New Westminster, Kamloops and Port Alberni.

Since 2001, B.C.'s major capital funding program has created 3,300 new licensed child-care spaces. For more information on child-care programs and services in British Columbia, visit www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/childcare/.

BC Housing partners with private and non-profit housing providers, other levels of government, health authorities and community groups to increase affordable housing options for British Columbians in greatest need. For more information, visit www.bchousing.org.