Ministers agree to new early learning and child care initiative

Health and Community Services Minister John Ottenheimer met with federal, provincial and territorial ministers of social services in Ottawa on November 1 and 2 to lay the groundwork for a national early learning and child care initiative.

"All children should benefit from quality early childhood experiences to promote their healthy development and learning. Early learning and child care is recognized throughout Canada as an essential support for children and families," said Minister Ottenheimer. "We made a commitment in our Blueprint to encourage a national commitment for early childhood development and I believe that this initiative is a great opportunity to enhance our ongoing support for children and parents in this province."

Ministers agreed on shared principles � quality, universally inclusive, accessible and developmental � to guide the development of a new national initiative in supporting parents in caring for their children. They also agreed to establish a long-term shared vision that would include strong accountability and provincial-territorial flexibility.

The federal government will commit $5 billion over five years to support the national early learning and child care initiative. This means an approximate $80 million share for Newfoundland and Labrador over five years. Specific funding arrangements will be discussed when the ministers meet in early 2005 to finalize the agreement.

"We welcome the new investment dedicated to early learning and child care and the ability for each province to deliver the initiative in a way that best meets the needs of its children and parents," added Minister Ottenheimer.

Media contact: Carolyn Chaplin, Health and Community Services, (709) 729-1377 or (709) 682-5093

2004 11 04                                     5:00 p.m.