Decades After Ontario Child-Care Bursary, Woman Told to Repay Funds She Used for School

Peterborough: Jennifer Craft thought she did everything right. Back in 1996, she got a child-care bursary to help with daycare costs while she studied nursing. She was a single mom, and that money was a lifesaver.

But now, decades later, a collection agency is asking her to pay back the $1,245. They claim she didn’t provide receipts showing how she spent the money. Craft is baffled.

She got calls from the agency, even using her maiden name. It’s been 30 years! How can she prove what happened back then? She says she didn’t keep those receipts.

Craft feels like she’s guilty until proven innocent. She worked hard to become a nurse and has contributed to her community, especially during the pandemic.

The agency sent her old letters asking for receipts. She insists she submitted them back in the day. She never got the second letter demanding repayment.

Now living in Yellowknife, Craft reflects on her journey. She’s a productive member of society, and her daughter, who needed that child-care help, is now 32 with kids of her own.

The collection agency can’t comment on individual cases. The ministry says overpayments must be repaid, and there’s no time limit for debts owed to the Crown.

But some experts think it’s unreasonable to chase someone for a debt from 30 years ago. They argue that records fade and memories blur over time.

Craft is relieved she might not have to repay the bursary. But she worries about others in her situation. Many single parents relied on that financial aid to improve their lives. It’s a tough situation for everyone involved.