While there are no votes to be gained from attendees, parents of full-day kindergartners should be pleased to know all candidates say their party would support the program.
Full day programs are already offered in St. Albert, but parents have to pay about $300 per month for the extended hours because provincial funding only covers half-day programs.
Ontario and several other provinces have or are working towards bringing in full-day kindergarten.
During her party’s leadership race last fall, Progressive Conservative leader Alison Redford pledged to bring in full-day kindergarten within a year of taking office.
PC candidate Doug Horner said Redford couldn’t swing it within a year, but the party is absolutely committed to giving parents that choice.
He said the only reason for the delay has been finding space in schools.
“We have got 100,000 people moving in every year and we have a tremendous amount of young families, certainly in our riding.”
Horner said he absolutely supports the program, because it is good for students.
“When you talk to all the experts, from an educational perspective it is preparing kids to learn, it is ensuring that there is a good base to start from.”
NDP candidate Rev. J.J. Trudeau said she endorses the idea because it also makes life easier for parents who work full time.
“It wouldn’t make sense in terms of parents’ working to have a half-day program.’’
She believes the government should go further, however, investing in earlier childhood education and day care. She said the province should open its eyes to other ideas.
“I think we should be looking at places that are doing things and being noted by the world community rather than just looking at those areas that are ideologically aligned with us.”
Wildrose candidate Travis Hughes said his party doesn’t have an official position on full-day kindergarten, but if his constituents want it he would push for it.
“I would be an advocate for my constituents and if they feel that full-day kindergarten is something they would like, then I would definitely advocate for them.”
Hughes said he only promises programs if he can deliver them, but he does promise to work for the program if that is what constituents want.
“I am not going to promise something that we won’t be delivering.”
Liberal candidate Chris Austin said his party would absolutely support the initiative
“I think that we are quite clear about supporting young families and the need for a program in Alberta.”
Austin said his party would favour the program along with government support for day care and preschool. He said help like this allows parents to work and earn a living supporting the economy.
He said it is also good for students who are just starting to learn.
“They get to get out and they get to interact with other kids and it teaches them team building.”
