/R E P E A T -- Minister Duclos reinforces the Government of Canada's commitment to children and families at a roundtable with key stakeholders to discuss early learning and child care/

OTTAWA, Dec. 15, 2016 /CNW/ - The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, today met with academics, stakeholders, advocates, experts and representatives from national Indigenous organizations to discuss early learning and child care. This roundtable is the third meeting hosted by the Minister this year to outline the path ahead for the establishment of a strong Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) Framework.

While setting the stage for discussions to come, Minister Duclos reiterated the Government's commitment to increase the affordability, quality, flexibility and inclusivity of early learning and child care. To achieve this objective, the federal government has been working closely with provinces and territories to develop an ELCC Framework. The Framework is expected to represent a significant milestone for national collaboration, with governments agreeing to work together to address some of the key early learning and child care issues across the country.

Minister Duclos highlighted that the Government of Canada understands that access to affordable and quality child care that is culturally appropriate is critical for Indigenous parents and children. The Minister also emphasized the importance of work underway to ensure meaningful engagement with Indigenous peoples to develop an Indigenous ELCC Framework.

One of the fundamental principles for the Government of Canada is that all Canadian children deserve a real and fair chance to succeed, and that early learning provides a solid foundation for future success. It also recognizes the deep connection between child care and the economic security of families. That is why, in addition to the recently introduced Canada Child Benefit, work is currently ongoing towards the establishment of a cohesive child care agenda.

Quotes

"Seeking the best policies to give all Canadians the opportunity to raise their families in the way they want, and supporting children that are most in need, represents the best investments that governments can make in the social and economic fabric of this country. We are confident that our collective effort in establishing these Early Learning and Child Care Frameworks will ultimately enable all Canadians to contribute to and share in the prosperity of our country."
– The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development

"To build the National Early Learning and Child Care Framework in an evidence-based way, we have called for the on-going engagement of early learning and child care specialists. Today's conversation provided an important opportunity to share what we have learned through decades of experience working with children, their families, and our program partners."
– Peter Dinsdale, President and CEO YMCA Canada

"The Lawson Foundation is very impressed with the genuine willingness and ability of Minister Jean-Yves Duclos to consult and to listen to stakeholders on the importance of quality childcare in Canada, and with his deep understanding of the importance of early childhood development. We look forward to continuing this engagement as the Government continues to develop its national framework and look at the best way of supporting our children."
– Marcel Lauzière, President and CEO of The Lawson Foundation

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SOURCE Employment and Social Development Canada

Mathieu Filion, Director of Communications, Office of the Hon. Jean-Yves Duclos, P.C., M.P., Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, 819-654-5546; Media Relations Office, Employment and Social Development Canada, 819-994-5559, [email protected]