January 20, 1016
We are excited to share an important new document, a Shared Framework for Building an Early Childhood Education and Care System for All.
The Child Care Advocacy Association of Canada (CCAAC) worked with many others from across Canada to develop this Shared Framework, which is addressed to federal, provincial and territorial governments. We worked quickly so as to be able to respond to the new federal government’s commitment to develop a National Early Learning and Child Care Framework in collaboration with provinces, territories and Indigenous communities.
The main national organizations driving the development of this Shared Framework initiative are the CCAAC, the Canadian Child Care Federation (CCCF), the Childcare Resource and Research Unit (CRRU) and Campaign 2000, with significant input from Indigenous representatives, policy researchers, early childhood educators and many others.
The Shared Framework outlines three core elements:
- Common federal, provincial and territorial frameworks
- A plan for long term sustained funding
- System-building shared by federal, provincial/territorial governments and key stakeholders.
After the Framework was sent to (see covering letter) federal, provincial and territorial ministers responsible for ECEC last week, the CCAAC, CCCF, CRRU and Campaign 2000 met with federal Minister for Families, Children and Social Development Jean-Yves Duclos and Parliamentary Secretary Terry Duguid. We were encouraged by their approach, finding the meeting collegial and productive.
At the meeting, we discussed the Shared Framework and its potential role in informing intergovernmental consultations and negotiations. Recognizing that these processes are likely to take some time, we also suggested that in parallel to beginning to build a cross-Canada ECEC system, well-considered short term initiatives would be welcome. We identified several areas for provincial/territorial initiatives: affordability, the child care workforce and initiatives concerning harder-to-serve populations.
We look forward to continuing the dialogue about ECEC with all levels of government and will be urging partners across Canada to join it.