Well, election time is back and the news is saturated with political platforms once again. And already we have our first flagrant tongue slip of the campaign, by the PM’s director of communications no less. If you haven’t already heard, Mr. Scott Reid was quoted commenting on the Conservative plan to give child care money directly to parents:

“They need care that is regulated, safe and secure and that’s what we’re building here. Don’t give people $25 a day to blow on beer and popcorn. Give them child-care spaces that work.”

Of course, Mr. Reid immediately retracted his statement, but the damage was done. Many Canadian parents were deeply offended by this comment, as they perceived it directed at them. I’ve read several editorials in the National Post from outraged readers.

Personally, I don’t think the comment is bad at all. Perhaps Mr. Reid could have chosen better words to convey his point, but his argument still stands. I believe that most Canadian parents put their children’s best interests first, but it is no secret that some do not. Can you think of a parent you know that you wouldn’t trust to spend child-care money on child-care? So, instead of thinking from the parents perspective, crouch down and take a look through the eyes of the child with the financially retarted…oops, i mean financially challenged parent. I bet that you would opt for another government proposal.