Chickenpox party at centre of B.C. small claims dispute [Video]

A so-called “chickenpox party” was at the centre of a recent dispute between a B.C. family and their daycare provider, according to a decision from the Civil Resolution Tribunal.

The parents, whose names are anonymized in the ruling, were seeking a refund of their $1,200 deposit as well as $1,050 in reimbursement of fees for unused days from Cindy Northey, doing business as Learn, Grow, Play Daycare.

The dispute dates back to February of 2023, according to the decision., which was posted online this week. 

“Mrs. Northey said she was considering exposing her own children, who attended the daycare, to a child who had chickenpox at a party. Mrs. Northey sent the applicants an email that evening referring to a ‘chicken pox opportunity’ and noting that some parents may choose not to send their children to the daycare over a period of time,” tribunal member Christopher C. Rivers wrote.

The …