WINNIPEG — Thousands of Manitobans have opened their mailboxes to find letters that many parents are hoping could lead to a better child care system in this province.
Currently, there are 15,000 names on a child care wait list in Manitoba.
The letter asks families to share their stories in hopes it will help build a system that’s more available and affordable for Manitoba families.
The numbers have only gotten worse since one mother decided to take things into her own hands four years ago. Kristen Shipman said it was actually easier and faster to start her own business, Making Roots Montessori Centre, than to rely on her daughter getting into child care.
“We are just trying to do our best to provide an essential service and fill that need,” Shipman said.
The demand is so high, the mom is opening a second location in Brandon to accommodate more children.
“Unfortunately we have just seen it continue to grow and not a lot of the struggle for parents has been alleviated,” Shipman said.
Shipman says she hopes to see the situation improve, but will continue to focus on expanding her business, as the long wait for Manitoba parents continues to have a steep impact.
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