Government of Canada announces members of new expert panel on early learning and child care data and research Français
OTTAWA, June 4, 2019 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada recognizes the importance of supporting parents, families and communities in their efforts to ensure the best possible future for their children. Today, the Honourable Jean‑Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, announced the selected members of the newly created expert panel on early learning and child care data and research.
The Expert Panel brings together a diverse group of 14 leaders, practitioners, Indigenous representatives and experts in early learning and child care. Chosen from over 220 nominations from across Canada and internationally, the Expert Panel will provide advice on the development of an early learning and child care data and research strategy that could include:
- identifying priority action areas;
- identifying innovative approaches; and
- aligning the objectives of the work with other Government priorities.
The Assembly of First Nations, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and the Métis National Council will be invited to propose representatives for the Expert Panel to engage, participate and make linkages to First Nations, Inuit and Métis data and research.
The work of the Expert Panel will provide a better understanding of the early learning and child care landscape in Canada and will support the implementation of the Multilateral Early Learning and Child Care Framework and the Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care Framework.
Quote
"Helping hard-working, middle-class families provide the best start in life for their children is a top priority for the Government of Canada. That's why we are creating an expert panel that will help us in our work of filling data and research gaps in early learning and child care. Children are our most precious resource, investing in them today, means investing in Canada's future."
– The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development
Quick Facts
- The members were selected as part of an open, transparent and merit-based selection process that strives for gender parity and reflects Canada's diversity.
- The call for nominations for the Expert Panel was open from November 19 to December 14, 2018.
- The Expert Panel will operate for a period of 18 months and will report to the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development.
- Important investments in early learning and child care will create up to 40,000 more affordable child care spaces across the country by March 2020.
- To better support Canadian families, especially those in need, Budgets 2016 and 2017 announced an historic investment of $7.5 billion over 11 years, starting in 2017–18, to support and create more high-quality, affordable child care across the country. Of this investment:
- $1.7 billion over 10 years, starting in 2018–19, will support the Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care Framework, and will strengthen early learning and child care programs and services for Indigenous children and families;
- $95 million will go towards closing data gaps to better understand child care challenges and needs and track progress; and
- $100 million will go towards early learning and child care innovation.
Associated Links
Expert Panel on Early Learning and Child Care
Multilateral Early Learning and Child Care Framework
Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care Framework
SOURCE Employment and Social Development Canada
For media enquiries, please contact: Valérie Glazer, Press Secretary, Office of the Honourable 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]
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