Childcare in Canada is currently a hodgepodge of formal and informal care, characterized by high demand, low accessibility, high cost and varying levels of quality. This has lead to barriers of accessibility for low and middle income families, especially unattached mothers, as well as childcare that fails to engage the developmental potential of young children. Former public justice intern Mariel Angus explores these issues in CPJ’s backgrounder on childcare.
From a public justice framework CPJ believes that every person has a rightful claim to live in dignity, be respected by others, and have access to the resources needed to live out God’s calling. In order to fulfill their responsibility to their children parents need adequate income and access to sufficient resources such as shelter, food, clothing, community, education and health services. Consequently, the government has a unique ability to promote justice through resource redistribution and service provision, including supporting families in their many diverse forms.
CPJ’s position paper on childcare argues that an important manifestation of this government responsibility is the creation and provision of a national childcare program. This would be guided by the principles of the best interests of children as the primary consideration, but also affordability, accessibility, high level of quality, and promotion of child development and learning. CPJ envisions this program as a part of a broader comprehensive national strategy of family-oriented policies that involve all levels of government. These policies should aim to reduce poverty, help parents balance work and family life, engage men to a greater extent in caregiving responsibilities and promote the value of caring labour in wider society.
Accessible, affordable, quality childcare is a key component of CPJ’s broader efforts on income security and diversity. And, a national childcare program is an essential part of any federal poverty elimination strategy. CPJ will therefore continue to promote public justice and seek action on early learning and childcare as part of an integrated approach to poverty elimination. We will actively engage the public, the media, and elected officials in our ongoing efforts to see that all children in Canada have access to the education and care they deserve.
