Child Care Watch April 2008
Child Care Debated for an Hour
in
the Ontario Legislature
Bill 26 was debated in the Ontario Legislature for an hour on March 27, 2008. Sponsored by MPP Andrea Horwath, the Bill would have reserved the definition of "operator" in the Day Nurseries Act to be a not-for-profit provider while preserving current licenses to for-profit child care operators. The Bill would have prevented 123 Busy Beavers from establishing in Ontario.
While Bill 26 did not pass, it raised the issue in the Legislature. During the “It’s Time for Public Child Care” Tour, thousands of people signed petitions in support of Bill 26 and a large contingent of child care supporters were on hand for the debate. You can read a full transcript of the Debate online.
Parts of the speeches from the Legislature on Bill 26
Andrea Horwath,
Sponsor of the Bill, NDP Critic for Children and Youth Services
“We need only to look at Quebec; we see what Quebec is doing in terms of child care. We know that other provinces, Manitoba and Saskatchewan, have already gotten rid of any expansion in the for-profit sector. We need to do that as well in Ontario. Some of our Ontario cities-Toronto, Ottawa and Sudbury, recently-have already said no to expansion into the for-profit sector. They're staying in the not-for-profit sector. The preponderance of evidence is significant”.
Julia Munroe,
Conservative Party
“Moms and dads deserve to have every possible choice that suits their child care needs. They do not need or want a single, rigid system designed for everyone. Some families prefer a tax credit, with one parent staying at home or with child care being provided by a close friend or relative. Others want to make use of child care facilities, either publicly funded and run or privately funded and run. Many families do not need or want any state involvement in how they raise their children, and their views should be respected as well.”
Khalil Ramal,
Liberal Party
“If you are profit or non-profit, it doesn't mean: Are you going to deliver a good service? The most important thing is that we have rules and regulations in place to protect the quality of the delivery of child care services in the province. That is the most important thing.”