Dear parents, families, early years and child care partners,
The Government of Ontario is in the process of developing an Early Years and Child Care Strategy. I am writing today to ensure that community members are aware of the local consultation being held at the Victoria Hills Community Centre on December 15th, 2016 from 7-9pm.
In March 2016, I wrote a letter to the Minister of Education urging the government to be a leader in developing a high quality, integrated early learning and child care system and to invest in a comprehensive provincial childcare strategy. Families continue to pay monthly fees of $1152 on average for one childcare spot in Ontario, compared to $152 per month in the province of Quebec.
I am deeply committed to advocating for better childcare, as I know that families and the economy will benefit from this investment. As Chair of the Waterloo Region District School Board I worked to create quality childcare options in our school system.
In response to the advocacy of families, early years and childcare partners and elected officials, the provincial government has promised to create 100,000 new licensed child care spaces for children under the age of four, beginning in 2017. It is essential that the government is held accountable to this promise and hears from those who are impacted by the lack of affordable, accessible and high quality early childhood education and childcare programs in Ontario.
I hope that you will be able to attend the Kitchener-Waterloo Consultation on Childcare on December 15th. You can find more information about the in-person consultation session here. Please do not hesitate to reach out to my Constituency Office should you have any questions about the meeting at 519-725-3477 or [email protected].
Sincerely,
Catherine Fife, MPP
Kitchener-Waterloo
