89.5 National Objectives for Child Care
[Whereas,] Rationale:
NCWC has been urging the Government of Canada since 1972 to implement a national policy on child care. It is recognized that a significant number of children across Canada need some form of child care on a full-time, part-time, seasonal, emergency, and/or occasional basis. These children have a right to access to a standard of care which will meet their developmental needs in a safe and healthy environment.
The federal government, in its proposed child care legislation (1987-88), did not set any national objectives for child care services which receive federal dollars. In a federal system, where child care is in the jurisdiction of the provinces, national objectives are essential to ensure at least minimally comparable service across the country.
[RESOLVED,]
NCWC requests the Government of Canada to establish national child care objectives for good, quality child care; affordable, accessible, meeting the developmental needs of children, and providing them with a healthy and safe environment.
NCWC requests that legislation be enacted requiring each province and territory to establish eligibility for federal funding by setting minimum standards which meet national child care objectives and which are in accordance with the best professional child care knowledge and experience in that province or territory at that time.