NICKEL BELT – GREATER SUDBURY - Since the 2015 election, the Federal government has made steadfast progress on issues pertaining to children’s wellbeing.  Most recently, Senate amendments on Bill C-35 were approved in the House of Commons, bringing it one step closer to fruition. Bill C-35 sets out the Government of Canada’s vision for a Canada-wide early learning and childcare system. It also sets out commitments to maintaining long-term funding relating to early learning and childcare to be provided to the provinces and Indigenous peoples. Bill C-35 also outlines the framework to create the National Advisory Council on Early Learning and Child Care. If passed, the bill would respect provincial and territorial jurisdiction and Indigenous rights, including the right to self‑determination.

“All levels of government have a role in shaping a positive future for Canada’s next generations. Bill C-35 will strengthen the Federal government’s ongoing investments that helps benefit families, children, and caregivers across the country and here in Nickel Belt – Greater Sudbury,” said Marc G. Serré.

Some historical announcements include:

• Introduced the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) which helped lift nearly 435,000 kids out of poverty.
• Made strides towards $10-a-day childcare – which helped create 219 new childcare spaces in Greater Sudbury in 2022 alone
• Introduced the EI Parental Sharing Benefit to provide 5 extra weeks of benefits when parental leave is shared
• Provided a CCB top-up of up to $1,200 to help parents of children under 6 cope with extra costs during COVID-19
• Implemented the Canada Dental Benefit for eligible children under the age of 12
• Created the $625 million Early Learning and Child Care Infrastructure Fund to help public and not-for-profit child care
• $506,000 invested locally for the Carrefour francophone de Sudbury child care programs

“We’re also simultaneously tackling issues like affordability, housing, and healthcare which directly impacts families and children. Just recently the Federal government transferred an additional $2billion to the Ontario Government to address patient barriers and issues in the provincial healthcare system,” said Serré. “The reality is that the Federal government can’t provide lasting and inclusive child and families solutions alone. We must have proactive members of all parties at all levels working together to get solutions and put the wellbeing of people above political differences. Pierre Poilievre’s Conservative government repeatedly votes no on motions like a national school lunch program, affordable childcare, and environmental policies that protect children’s futures,” added Serré.

“Investing in social supports is non-negotiable as it sets the foundation for a healthy and prosperous society. We know that access to high quality affordable childcare helps grow our economy, allows more women to enter the workforce and helps give every child in Canada the best start in life” he concluded.

Quick facts

• Bill C-35 builds on the collaborative work undertaken with provinces and territories under the federal/provincial/territorial Multilateral Early Learning and Child Care Framework, and with Indigenous peoples under the co‑developed Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care Framework that was endorsed by Indigenous leadership and the Government of Canada. The Government recognizes that First Nations, Inuit and Métis children and families are best supported by early learning and childcare programs and services that are culturally appropriate and led by Indigenous peoples.
• Since 2015, the Government of Canada has delivered real results to make life more affordable from coast to coast to coast through an historic investment in Budget 2021. The investment, totaling up to $30 billion over five years, is building a Canada-wide early learning and child care system in collaboration with provincial, territorial and Indigenous partners. To date, as a result of these investments, fees for regulated child care have been reduced across Canada, and by 2025–26, fees for regulated child care across Canada will be $10 a day, on average.
• The National Advisory Council on Early Learning and Child Care brings together a committed and diverse group of 16 members, including academics and advocates, practitioners and caregivers.
• Investments in early learning and child care will ultimately benefit all Canadians. Studies show that for every dollar invested in early childhood education, the broader economy receives between $1.50 and $2.80 in return.

Associated links

• Bill C-35
• Multilateral Early Learning and Child Care Framework
• Toward $10-a-day: Early Learning and Child Care

- 30 -

Contact

Kaylie Dudgeon,
Special Assistant
Marc G. Serré, MP for Nickel Belt, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Official Languages
705-507-2416