FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

OTTAWA, ONTARIO, June 12, 2008 – The Government of Canada recognizes that families are the building blocks of a society. Our government is responding to the changing needs of families by providing them with greater choice, flexibility and opportunity, and by working in partnership with other levels of government, business and community organizations to meet our common goals.

We are committed to helping parents balance work and family life, and providing them with real choices in deciding what is best for their children. That is why we will provide $5.6 billion in 2008-2009 in support of early learning and child care through transfers to the provinces and territories, direct spending and tax measures for families. This is the largest investment in early learning and child care in the history of Canada, and is three times more than the previous government invested.

Our government is transferring $250 million each year to the provinces and territories to support their priorities for child care. Since April 2007, many provinces and territories have announced plans for new child care spaces-over 60,000 so far. Others are investing in enhancing the quality of their spaces, or making child care more affordable for families. This $250 million is on top of the $850 million they already receive through the Canada Social Transfer for children’s programs and services, for a total of $1.1 billion this year alone.

As well, more and more employers are recognizing that work-family balance is a priority for their employees, and that it makes good business sense to provide them with the supports they need. That is why we introduced a 25-per cent investment tax credit for businesses that create new child care spaces in the workplace.

This is all on top of the Universal Child Care Benefit, which provides $1,200 per year to parents for each child under the age of six. Our child care plan invests in parents and will deliver $12 billion over five years.

The Canadian Labour Congress suggests that the Government of Canada should support Bill C-303, the Early Learning and Child Care Act. The bill would impose a one-size-fits-all child care plan on parents. It would take away the chance for parents to decide what kind of child care is best for their families. In addition, it would override provincial and territorial jurisdictions; so far, not one province has expressed support for this bill.

The Government of Canada is committed to helping parents balance work and family life, and providing them with real choices in deciding what is best for their children.

Monte Solberg, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Human Resources and Social Development

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Human Resources and Social Development Canada
         819-994-5559