I will now speak about the $7 a day childcare program which has been in operation in the province of Quebec since 1997. The family policy adopted by Quebec in 1997 is, in more ways than one, an innovative, forward-looking service model.
Is it okay like that? Thanks.
The policy, which deliberately breaks with the past, has meant improved circumstances for many Quebec families. As such, all concerned stakeholders can rightly be proud of the fact that the responsible minister has taken steps to implement most of the policy's key provisions, working closely with service providers.
Regulated day care services for children from birth to four years of age are offered either in a child care centre or in a family setting by service providers acting in accordance with the educational child care services regulations.
Child care services can be provided in two types of facilities that must have a license issued by the minister. Early childcare centres operate on a not-for-profit basis, while private, more conventional daycares have the status of legal entities.
Regarding Bill C-303 in general, the AGPQ is in favour of the bill which should increase the level of funding to different provinces, thereby allowing them to increase the educational childcare services offered, while keeping sight of the main objectives of Canada's policy on child care, and the needs of the public, and to improve the quality of services offered to parents.
Quebec's daycares are supportive of this legislative initiative for the following reasons: the proposed system is respectful of the provinces' primary responsibility for child care and family services; the priority consideration given to the family-work dynamic and to the development of quality learning and early child care programs, as well as the emphasis on the accessibility and universality of services cannot be denied; because the use of public funds is involved, the proposed training and appropriate accountability mechanisms are justified to ensure efficient use of these public funds as part of the fund transfer program involving the provinces.
In spite of all this, it's important that the provinces consult with all partners in the field in order to comply with this act and its attendant regulations.
Naturally, Quebec is exempted under clause 4 of the bill in light of the special and unique nature of Quebec's jurisdiction in this field. Quebec daycares fully support this measure and want their position to be made known officially when the association that represents them appears before the committee.
The AGPQ is surprised, however, to learn about clause 6 of the bill and to note the restrictions that would apply to for-profit educational childcare centres. It is surprised because Quebec has done business with all child care services, regardless of their legal status. If the government is bringing in regulations that favour accountability and quality services for all parents, then we have to object to this particular clause which maintains that the development of private daycares should be banned. At present, the Quebec government funds 33,000 spaces in for-profit daycares, where service quality continues to improve because the government has recognized the important role these centres play and has given them financial support to offer quality services to all children.