Coalition of Child Care Advocates of BC
BC Aboriginal Child Care Society
Métis Nation BC
Early Childhood Educators of BC
Our organizations join with allies across Canada to highlight the need for all families to have equitable and barrier-free access to quality, culturally responsive child care.
This goal can only be realized if the federal, provincial, and territorial governments put in place a comprehensive plan for public, and not-for-profit child care expansion. BC’s expansion plan must respect the jurisdiction of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples, in alignment with UNDRIP commitments.
As of today, we have seen many positive investments and urge the governments to continue expanding and strengthening a Canada wide child care system. We call on the Federal and Provincial Governments to uphold their child care objectives and areas of investment in the 4 key areas: (all in alignment with the Canada-wide funding agreement)
Increase educator compensation
Accelerate the transition of existing spaces to $10aDay
Provide school-age child care in every school
Increase capital funding for new facilities
Additional comments from each organization:
BC Aboriginal Child Care Society
BC Aboriginal Child Care Society (BCACCS) acknowledges all Early Learning and Child Care professionals, the Elders supporting these teams, and the Leadership that uplift this work. We recognize the inherent rights of all Indigenous peoples, governments and governing bodies, and we remain committed to supporting First Nations in their rightful jurisdiction over the care and education of young children. We are grateful for the beautiful work happening in communities and are inspired by how this work centres culture, language, traditional teachings, laws, and protocols. This work is foundational to the development of a strong sense of identity, place, and belonging – this work in Early Learning and Child Care is at the heart of Nation-building.
On this Day of Action, it is important to remember that First Nations Early Learning and Child Care (FNELCC) remains subject to colonial governance and that recent investments, work and commitments to transformation, made by the federal and provincial governments, continue.
Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC)
At the heart of MNBC's vision is the development of Métis-specific child care that reflects the diverse needs of Métis families. In line with this commitment, we call on the BC provincial government to continue to expand on affordable, accessible, inclusive, and high-quality child care (preferably no fee) for families. MNBC remains dedicated to creating new child care spaces for Métis, First Nations, Inuit, and all families throughout British Columbia, grounded in a shared commitment to reconciliation.
We elevate the voices of Métis children and families in shaping a national Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care (IELCC) system. An equitable, culturally relevant ELCC workforce is essential to fostering a safe, nurturing environment where all children can fully and meaningfully engage.
MNBC implements the Métis Early Learning and Child Care Framework across British Columbia. We invite you all to collaborate with us in the spirit of partnership, respect, and reconciliation.
Early Childhood Educators of BC
ECEBC is the professional voice of BC Early Childhood Educators that supports the continued professionalization of the sector. ECEBC calls on the BC Provincial government to listen intently to educator voices that are living the realities of building the current child care system. In addition to the key areas above, educators are asking for a system that aligns with ethical practices and the conditions that fosters recruitment and retention for this vital profession.
We continue to be inspired by research and pedagogical practices that are transforming our field and we embrace our ethical obligation to make visible and public the multifaceted work and role of the early childhood educator. Woven together; ECE personal leadership, ethical leadership, and collaborative leadership are the foundation to a robust system.
Coalition of Child Care Advocates of BC
The B.C. election confirmed that families across our province want and need the $10aDay child care system that federal and provincial governments have promised. There has been progress but licensed child care spaces are still in short supply, waitlists keep growing, fees remain unaffordable for many families, and educators still earn low wages. Progress has stalled and the impact on our children and our economy is unacceptable while the need for quality child care has never been higher. A high-quality $10aDay child care system is possible and it’s a smart investment in children, families and healthy communities.