Thread by @JasonOnTheDrums

#Ableg

6 Facts to share with your Mother today about:

🤰 Danielle Smith and the @Alberta_UCP negatively impacting mothers and their young children

Including:

✂️- Cuts to funds for children-in-need

✂️- Cuts to child care programs

✂️- Cuts to women’s health

Let’s jump in!

#Ableg 👩 🧵

1. The UCP DEFUNDED early intervention programs for children in need by $128,000,000

This resulted in:
- #YEG public schools closing 76% of early learning programs
- 68% cut for language programs
- Criteria changes to make it harder for parents to access key funds

#Ableg 👩 🧵

2. The UCP cancelled the made-in-Alberta $25-a-day child-care program

This move INCREASED costs to operators AND Alberta mothers

The UCP had to be DRAGGED by Alberta families to sign the federal deal

Smith THREATENED to use her “ Sovereignty Act” against it.

#Ableg 👩 🧵

3. The UCP ALSO cut programs meant to support childcare centres and workers in Alberta.

Childcare centres in Alberta were suddenly forced to pay TENS OF THOUSANDS in extra costs, which would lead to fees increasing for Mothers

The UCP did not give any warning.

#Ableg 👩 🧵

4. The UCP ended a much needed subsidy designed to help stay-at-home parents

The subsidy helped families with 1 parent working or going to school less than 20hrs/week, and caring for children under 6 to help cover preschool costs

Mothers say there was “no warning”

#Ableg 👩 🧵

5. Danielle Smith SNUBBED sexual assault centres DESPITE a multi-billion dollar surplus

This left a huge gap in supports to help women, resulting in 15-month waitlists

Shelters turned down a tiny funding offer by Smith as the red tape made it impossible to accept

#Ableg 👩 🧵

6. The UCP cut Parent Link Centres across Alberta

This eliminated resources and support to mothers and families, including parenting classes, child care services, and social activities

Centres reduced their services, cancel programs, or close their doors entirely

#Ableg 👩 🧵

Danielle Smith said “judge the UCP by their actions not words”

The UCP made several changes that attacked funding for women's health, mental health, and support services in Alberta.

Sadly, this is not an exhaustive list - but the UCP’s actions speak for itself.

#Ableg 👩 🧵

If you know of or have personally experienced similar negative impacts due to UCP decisions, whether you’re a mother or not, please feel free to add them to this thread!

We all need to know how the UCP is hurting Albertans.

Thank you!
#Abpoli