MacLeod's Member of Parliament fully supports the Universal Child Care Benefit being sent out to parents across the country this week.

John Barlow says it's always been part of the plan.

"When we balanced the budget, we made a pledge to Canadian families that once we balanced our books we would help Canadian families balance theirs," Barlow says. "This is an opportunity for Canadian families to use these additional dollars to help with their child care needs or use for whatever other priorities they may set."

He says this program differs significantly from the Universal Child Care Plan in that it benefits every family with children and allows the parents to make the best decision they feel about their child care needs whether that's a licensed daycare or a friend or family member.

Barlow says the government is realistic about just how much this will help parents looking for child care, but the increase for children under seven from $100  to $160 a month is substantial.

Some analysts have pointed out a good portion of the money will be clawed back by the government in the spring at tax time, which Barlow doesn't deny.

"The Universal child Care Benefit has always been taxable, that hasn't changed, that's nothing new" he says. "I think Canadian families out there will welcome the enhancement, costs have increased, we understand that and we want the child care benefit to increase along with that. We understand this isn't going to cover all child care costs but this certainly helps."

The payment for July includes $520 for every child under six and $420 for every child between the ages of 6 and seventeen.

The increase is being backdated to January 1, 2015.