Updated: Fri Jun. 19 2009 18:20:52

ctvedmonton.ca

Alberta's Finance Minister Iris Evans returned to Edmonton Friday following a trip to Toronto, where she made a controversial comment suggesting one parent should stay at home to raise a child properly.

Evans spoke to reporters Friday morning while attending an early literacy program, where she was honoured for her commitment to early childhood development.

The minister spoke emotionally in an attempt to clarify her comment that had many Albertans upset. She said she simply wanted to stress the importance of a proper upbringing.

"I love children more than you can imagine and I'm very protective of them and I think I will never be different," she said. "I would say I will not change my view in the importance of children and the relationship with a parent."

Evans said she was surprised by the reaction, believing her opinions were taken out of context, and insisted that the issue is debatable.

Many parents expressed their opinions Thursday to CTV News by stating that they would love to stay home, but can't afford it.

Lana Atkinson is a mother of two and works part-time out of her house. She said she made that decision so she could spend more time with her children. 

"There's a sacrifice, of course and it's something my parents did, it's something my husband's parents did and it's worth it," she said.

There's currently provincial programs for underprivileged stay-at-home parents, but, currently no plan to offer incentives to other parents who want to stay at home. 

Evans also stated that her comments in no way would reflect how the government funds child care spaces. There is a plan to create 14,000 more spaces over the next three years.

The minister mentioned she would rather spend money on early childhood programs and not Crown prosecutors and police to address problems that occur after a bad upbringing.

With files from CTV's Kevin Armstrong