Outcry from parents, opposition parties and media coverage appear to have bought Curious Buddies Day/Night Care and Pre-School some time to comply with government safety regulations.

Last week, Curious Buddies was ordered closed by the Department of Health and Social Services for "ongoing issues of noncompliance", and owner Lilian McCuaig's only option was to appeal the decision.

But department spokesperson Pat Living said today inspection staff "have committed to working with (McCuaig) this week to see if she can bring her facility into compliance."

As several other day cares have been cited for non-compliance, but did not lose their licences, McCuaig, who worked in the field for four years before opening her own day care, believed she was being singled out.

So did opposition party leaders. In a letter published in today's Star, NDP Leader Todd Hardy urges acting Health Minister Patrick Rouble to intervene on Curious Buddies' behalf.

Yukon Liberal Party Leader Arthur Mitchell has gone even further, calling the health department's handling of the affair "a disgrace."

"Obviously, the department could have worked with the staff to address any concerns without shutting them down," said Mitchell. "This is no way to treat a Yukon business."

While McCuaig could not be contacted as of press time this afternoon, day care workers were busy at the Riverdale centre attempting to meet the requirements.

Living, who could not give a timeframe on how long Curious Buddies had to comply, reiterated the department's commitment to the day care throughout the process.

"I have to stress (inspectors) have been working with (McCuaig) throughout this and one of the things we have to point out is that inspectors go into all day cares and family day homes to do inspections," said Living. "That's part of the role we play as the body to regulate."

In an earlier interview, McCuaig said inspectors visited as many as three times a week, making it difficult to keep up with the demands.

Living said a lack of RCMP checks on employees and inconsistent attendance records kept by Curious Buddies were "fairly major."

"We don't take matters of closing down these facilities lightly ... to ensure that the children they are caring for are going to be safe," said Living.

"In this day-and-age of split families, we have to make sure the person picking the child up has the authority to do so."

Living said Curious Buddies could be issued another licence if it meets inspectors' demands and that the department is continuing to fund McCuaig's operation until month's end, regardless of what happens.

McCuaig has lost several staff and clients due to Curious Buddies' uncertain future.

Mitchell, who referred to the noncompliance orders as "more administrative" than safety issues, cites nine other day cares with similar non-compliance matters that have not suffered the same fate as Curious Buddies has.

"The heavy-handed approach is at odds with how (Health and Social Services) has treats other day cares.

"Why is this one place being singled out?"