BC United leader Kevin Falcon is urging the NDP government to visit Starbright Children91裸聊视频檚 Development Centre to see firsthand the 91裸聊视频榠ncredible things91裸聊视频� it91裸聊视频檚 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.
91裸聊视频淚t91裸聊视频檚 never the wrong time to do the right thing,91裸聊视频� said Falcon. 91裸聊视频淚 want the NDP government to not just provide a stay of execution for two years but to say we91裸聊视频檙e going to keep this going because it91裸聊视频檚 a good thing for the community.91裸聊视频�
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
91裸聊视频淲hat I91裸聊视频檝e heard is just how difficult it91裸聊视频檚 been,91裸聊视频� added Falcon. 91裸聊视频淭hey91裸聊视频檝e lost staff because of the uncertainty, families and parents have been traumatized, because their kids have been getting exceptional service here.91裸聊视频�
Falcon had this message for the NDP.
91裸聊视频淧lease come and take some time to listen to the parents and the people that work here and understand the great work that they91裸聊视频檝e done for 65 years in this community. Don91裸聊视频檛 shut down what91裸聊视频檚 working.91裸聊视频�
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.
91裸聊视频淲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.91裸聊视频�
Starbright Executive Director, Dr Rhonda Nelson told Capital News that having Falcon visit was affirmation for the board, staff and families.
91裸聊视频淭his was amazing91裸聊视频hat someone in government would come and actually see our facility and see what we do and be able to engage in discussion.91裸聊视频�
Starbright has not heard anything further from MCFD since its contract was extended.
91裸聊视频榃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,91裸聊视频� added Nelson.
READ MORE: Strong feelings for Kelowna91裸聊视频檚 Starbright Child Centre delivered to Legislature
gary.barnes@kelownacapnews.com
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