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The Citizen, 1991-05-29, Page 22THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, MAY 29,1991. PAGE 23. WI Federation survey looks at rural child care needs Who looks after the children while the parents work is a prob­ lem faced by many families. How­ ever when you live in rural Canada the problem is far greater. If by a miracle there is public child care available it is often many miles away, or the family needs it for unconventional hours e.g. during milking or just while the crop is being harvested. In 1990 Federated Women's Institutes of Canada undertook to do a survey of the care of rural chil­ dren using a grant from Child care Initiatives Fund of Health and Wel­ fare Canada. The results of this long awaited survey are now out. This is the only survey that has looked at all the rural areas in all the provinces at one time. The Ontario part of the survey was conducted by Federated Wom­ en's Institutes of Canada who have always been very concerned about rural child care. In 1984 FWIO undertook the first pilot project on Executive The Huron West Women’s Institute 91st District Annual meeting was held at Londesboro Hall on May 27. The theme was "Women- For Home and Country". The officers for this year are, back row, from left: Secretary/Treasurer - Gladys Van Camp, 1st Vice - Betty Archambault, Public Relations - Evelyn James, Assistant Curator - Lois Elliott and Curator - Alice Porter. Front row: President - Wilma Higgins, London Area President - Hilda Morden, Provincial Board Director - Irene Richardson and Past President - Mary Hunter. rural child care. FWIC undertook the survey with the hope it would assist all levels of government to draft policy and legislation while keeping the rural family in mind. The survey revealed that respon­ dents who use child care services are generally satisfied with the quality of care their children receive but it became evident that far more spaces for children are needed. The survey reinforced the point that the need for rural child care fluctuates with the seasons, with peak demand in the four sum­ mer months. Many people would much rather look after their chil­ dren themselves but economic con­ ditions require that the parents work outside the home to provide an adequate standard of living. The report states that rural people are accustomed to solving their own problems and developing low cost, workable solutions. However, often government restrictions gets in the way. An example was given of a local community hall which passed all regulations for communi­ ty use for groups such as Cubs, Scouts, 4-H and Sunday School but was not suitable for child care. Among the recommendations of the survey are - • That Municipal, Provincial and Federal agencies must develop sep­ arate policies designed to fit the special needs of rural families. • That short-term care costs incurred when a stay-at-home par­ ent assists in operating a family farm be recognized as employment expenses by Revenue Canada. • That Provincial governments examine the feasibility of using Farm Labour Pool offices as central registries for child care givers, especially during peak periods. • That consideration be given to portable child care facilities that could be temporarily moved to areas of high need during peak periods. • Universities and Colleges with ECE programs consider establish­ ing co-operative education work terms to coincide with the peak demands for child care in rural regions. • Incentives be given to rural ser­ vice groups and volunteer organiza­ tions to encourage them to set up and operate before and after school drop-in programs for school chil­ dren under the age of 12. • As there is a shortage of child care spaces in rural areas, spaces must not be lost because of rigid adherence to overly strict regula­ tions. • Rural workplace care spaces be encouraged in such rural facilities as hospitals, schools, and light industries. for good quality GOOD VARIETY & GOOD SUPPLY BEDDING PLANTS SHOP CHRISTMAS & COUNTRY BLYTH -CHECK IT OUT- Many of our Annuals are 6 plants to a box 523-4820 NOW $1°° Box Continued on page 23 TOWNSHIP OF HULLETT NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended December 31,1990 (il) The accrual basis of accounting recognizes revenues as they become available and measurable; expenditures are recognized as they are Incurred and measurable as a result of receipt of goods or services and the creation of a legal obligation to pay. (Hi) The historical cost of accumulated depreciation of fixed assets are not reported for municipal purposes. Fixed assets are reported as an expenditure on the consolidated statement of operations in the year of acquisition. (iv) "Capital outlay to be recovered in futures years" which represents the outstanding principal portion of unmatured long-term liabilities for municipal expenditures or capital funds transferred to other organizations Is, when such balance exists, reported on the consolidated balance sheet. 2. Operations of school boards and county Further to note 1 (a) (ill) the taxation, other revenues, and requisitions of the school boards and County of Huron are comprised of the following: School Boards 820,034Taxation and user charges Share of payments In lieu of taxes Share of taxation of telephone gross receipts Amounts requisitioned 15.951 $ S35 J8S County 237,902 15,554 5.2Q2 $ 255.655 These amounts Include $ 16,533 and $ 4,797 for the school boards and County of Huron respectively which were paid by the Province of Ontario on behalf of ratepayers to lessen the Impact of re-assessment In the township. 3. Contributions to unconsolidated joint boards Further to note 1 (a) (II) the municipality has made a contribution to the Blyth and District Fire Area Board of $17,239 (1989: $11,534). The municipality's share of the fire area board's accumulated net revenue at December 31,1990 Is $9,443 (1989: $3,975). 4. Trust funds Trust funds administered by the municipality amounting to $233,836 (1989: $221,868) have not been Included in the consolidated balance sheet nor have their operation been Included In the consolidated statement of operations. 5. Pension agreements The municipality makes contributions to the Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement Fund (OMERS), which Is a multi-employee plan, on behalf of five members of its staff. The plan is a defined benefit plan which specifies the amount of the retirement benefit to be received by the employees based on the length of service and rates of pay. The amount contributed to OMERS for 1990 was $7,016 (1989: $6,372) for current service and Is Included as an expenditure on the consolidated statement of operations. 6. Municipal fund balances at the end of the year The balances on the consolidated statement of operations of municipal equity of $11,481 (1989: $38,679) at the end of the year are available to reduce the subsequent year's general taxation. 7. Reserves The total balance of reserves of $425,839 (1989: $415,355) consists of the following: 8. Net long term liabilities The municipality Is contingently liable for long term liabilities with respect to tile drainage loans recoverable from property owners and payable to the Province of Ontario as loan Instalments become due. The total amount outstanding as at December 31, 1990 Is $409,006 (1989: $507,843) and Is not recorded on the consolidated balance sheet. Reserves set aside by council 1990 1989 for working funds 280,000 270,000 for roadways capital expenditure 50,000 50,000 for fire expenditure 6,339 5,855 for disposal site capital expenditure 13,000 13,000 for recreation capital expenditure 76.500 $425,839 $ 415.355