Item - 2022.EC31.8
Tracking Status
- City Council adopted this item on July 19, 2022 with amendments.
- This item was considered by the Economic and Community Development Committee on July 6, 2022 and adopted without amendment. It will be considered by City Council on July 19, 2022.
EC31.8 - Update on Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement for Ontario
- Decision Type:
- ACTION
- Status:
- Amended
- Wards:
- All
City Council Decision
City Council on July 19, 20, 21 and 22, 2022, adopted the following:
1. City Council request the Province of Ontario to engage with the City of Toronto in the development and implementation of the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care System and revised Funding Formula to:
a. support the goals of Toronto's Licensed Child Care Growth Strategy, Service Plan, and approved policies to ensure equitable access to affordable, inclusive, high-quality early learning and child care programs and services for all Toronto families via phased and coordinated approaches;
b. provide increased capital/infrastructure and operating funding to build or renovate facilities, and expand capacity in the non-profit sector to ensure equitable access to high-quality services in underserved communities;
c. preserve the City of Toronto’s local authority and existing role in policy, planning and service system management including ensuring program quality that creates optimal caring and learning environments for children, and providing adequate funding to support enhanced administration and management functions;
d. update provincial income thresholds and eligibility requirements for fee subsidies to support families unable to afford fees even as they are reduced over time; and
e. respond to workforce changes to ensure that the child care system meets the care needs of families increasingly employed in part-time, precarious, unpredictable shift work.
Background Information (Committee)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2022/ec/bgrd/backgroundfile-226750.pdf
Motions (City Council)
That:
1. City Council request the Province of Ontario to engage with the City of Toronto in the development and implementation of the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care System and revised Funding Formula to:
a. support the goals of Toronto's Licensed Child Care Growth Strategy, Service Plan, and approved policies to ensure equitable access to affordable, inclusive, high-quality early learning and child care programs and services for all Toronto families via phased and coordinated approaches;
b. provide increased capital/infrastructure and operating funding to build or renovate facilities, and expand capacity in the non-profit sector to ensure equitable access to high-quality services in underserved communities;
c. preserve the City of Toronto’s local authority and existing role in policy, planning and service system management including ensuring program quality that creates optimal caring and learning environments for children, and providing adequate funding to support enhanced administration and management functions;
d. update provincial income thresholds and eligibility requirements for fee subsidies to support families unable to afford fees even as they are reduced over time; and
e. respond to workforce changes to ensure that the child care system meets the care needs of families increasingly employed in part-time, precarious, unpredictable shift work.
EC31.8 - Update on Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement for Ontario
- Decision Type:
- ACTION
- Status:
- Adopted
- Wards:
- All
Committee Recommendations
The Economic and Community Development Committee recommend that:
1. City Council receive the report (May 12, 2022) from the General Manager, Children's Services for information.
Origin
Summary
This report provides an information update to City Council on the status of the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Plan and the agreement signed by the Province of Ontario and the Government of Canada. It also summarizes the key elements of the Ontario-Federal agreement including its phased approach to meeting objectives over five years, eligibility criteria to participate in the new system, and the flow of funding and implementation timelines.
Background Information
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2022/ec/bgrd/backgroundfile-226750.pdf
Speakers
Janet Davis