MLA's motion seeks help for grandparents raising grandchildren

A Liberal backbencher is urging her government to offer more support for grandparents caring for their grandchildren, including more financial aid.

A motion by Summerside-St. Eleanors MLA Tina Mundy in the P.E.I. Legislature received unanimous support last week. 

"Grandparents do it for love often to keep the kids from being sent to foster homes," said Mundy, who was cared for by her grandmother for a time when she was a child. 

She said grandparents end up caring for their grandchildren for a number of reasons. Sometimes the parents are working or have died, are dealing with a drug addiction, a teenage pregnancy or are in jail. 

The MLA said many of them told her they face their own challenges.

"Depression, heart disease, physical disabilities, and some have asthma and diabetes as well, so you know, raising kids isn't easy today," said Mundy.

"You throw all that in and throw in the financial burden and it's a hard go for a lot of them."

Mundy said some grandparents may be eligible for economic assistance but might not know or don't know where to go. 

"Many just opt to do it on their own," she said. 

"Raising kids is expensive for anyone, but when you're on a limited income, it's tough."

Mundy raised the issue after meeting with a group of grandparents and hearing the issues they face.  

"The lack of support — all they had was one another," she said. "Their health was often an issue. Many said they should be enjoying their golden years, and were sacrificing them." 

Mundy's motion will now go to the Standing Committee on Health and Wellness for discussion.