NLIS 2
February 14, 2005
(Health and Community Services)
Ministers build consensus on early learning and
child care
Federal, provincial and territorial ministers
responsible for social and community services met in Vancouver on Friday,
February 11, to further discuss and build consensus on a national vision and
principles for early learning and child care systems in Canada.
"Although no agreement was reached, we were extremely pleased with the progress
made and all ministers left with a strong resolve to reach an agreement as
quickly as possible for the benefit of Canadian children," said Minister
Ottenheimer. "We look forward to the federal Budget and the details around the
federal commitment for early learning and child care.
"Given the urgent need to accelerate development of quality early learning and
child care across the country, we have agreed to meet again once funding is
confirmed in the federal Budget."
All ministers acknowledged the importance of an agreement for Canadian children,
to allow parents to work and study and be confident that their children are
participating in the kinds of quality, inclusive and developmental programs that
best meet their needs. Ministers also stressed that any approach must be
flexible in its implementation and must focus on quality outcomes for children.
"We have moved another step forward. There are still some steps ahead. We have
made progress in a tight time frame," said federal Minister of Social
Development Ken Dryden. "By working together we have an opportunity to define
success collectively. We can better define the core elements that make up
quality early learning and child care."
Ministers also discussed the importance of ensuring that early learning and
child care recognizes the unique needs of every child, and provides
opportunities for children to develop to their full potential. They also
discussed that quality early learning and child care must recognize and value
the qualified and dedicated early childhood educators and child care providers,
who provide children with enriching experiences in safe, stimulating
environments each day.
The federal government has committed $5 billion over five years to support the
initiative resulting in an approximate $80 million share for Newfoundland and
Labrador over five years.
Media contact: Carolyn Chaplin, Communications (709) 729-1377 or (709) 682-5093
2005 02 14
2:15 p.m.
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