Media advisory - OTTAWA, Nov. 19 /CNW Telbec/ - Parents and early childhood educators will mark the International Day of the Child, November 20, by demanding that Parliament take immediate action to halt the intrusion of foreign-based "Big Box" child care into Canada. They are urging MPs to vote in favour of Bill C303, the Early Learning and Child Care Act.

The Act, which returns to the House on Nov. 20 for debate and vote, will ensure that new federal funding for early learning and child care will only go to public or non-profit child care and will be used for the benefit of children. It will prevent "Big Box" child care from milking taxpayers' dollars to line the pockets of their shareholders.

Activities in Victoria, Vancouver, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Toronto, Ottawa, Moncton and Halifax will culminate in a proclamation on the steps of Parliament Hill on November 20 at 3 p.m. prior to the debate in the House.