WHEREAS the COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted child care options for nearly every family in our community and has profoundly increased the cost to operate safe child care forcing child care spaces or centres to close; and
WHEREAS Ontario has among the highest average child care fees of any Canadian province and while costs vary regionally for licensed child care, families are paying between $9,000 and $20,000+ per year for each child and these costs continue to rise steadily which makes passing the associated COVID-19 costs to families not possible; and
WHEREAS a 2012 study identified that in Ontario, public investment in the early years and child care has a ripple effect in positive economic benefits resulting in an economic output of $2.27 for every dollar invested in child care; and
WHEREAS the economic recovery of Carleton Place, Lanark County and Ontario is dependent on families having access to safe, reliable, and affordable child care that incorporates early learning principles; and
WHEREAS we are committed to working with the provincial government and child care service mangers to deliver positive and affordable options for our families;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT
- the Town of Carleton Place request the Government of Ontario:
- prioritize children and child care as part of its overall post-pandemic recovery plan;
- develop, adequately fund and release publicly a comprehensive plan that can support facilities through the provision of licensed child care and early learning education; and
- provide increased funding to child care providers reflective of COVID-19 operating cost increases to ensure a safe reopening and long-term sustainability for the sector; and
- this resolution be circulated to all municipalities in Ontario, Randy Hillier MPP, Scott Reid, MP, the Federal Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and the provincial Minister of Education.