Human Resources committee  It's the French "Mathieu".

Human Resources committee  I'm going to draw on Quebec's experience to answer. We have had work-study programs recently set up by the government. You can go to CEGEP—college—and while you do your study to become an early child care worker, you are also paid to work. After each semester you can get scholarships.

Human Resources committee  That is really a tough question. Because I am not part of those communities, I am absolutely not in a good position to answer. They are the ones who should be asked the question, rather than a white woman who has no Indigenous roots. I don't consider myself to be competent to answer that question.

Human Resources committee  You are asking me who should sit on the Council, but the Council has already been formed and is in operation. I think the right people have been selected. If you want to see the list of members, it's available online. I don't know whether that is a good answer to your question.

Human Resources committee  I don't know. Mr. Fortin, do you have a comment?

Human Resources committee  I can't speak today as a representative of the National Advisory Council on Early Learning and Child Care. I was told that very clearly before I appeared before the committee. I just want to say that I do not agree entirely with the comment that was made. The Council is very broadly representative and brings together people who represent Quebec, Indigenous communities and educators, as well as a lot of people working in the field.

Human Resources committee  Sophie is fine.

Human Resources committee  Of course, but there are things in Quebec that haven't been resolved after 25 years. One thing is that access to child care is not a right, not even in Quebec. It doesn't seem to be a right in the bill either. If we want to really be serious about child care, we need to think about the fact that we would never tell a parent that their child cannot access grade 1 because there is not enough space in their elementary school.

Human Resources committee  That's a very difficult one. I would have to come back to you. That's something I've been thinking about. Maybe Pierre has more ideas, but that's something that—

Human Resources committee  Of course. I will conclude my presentation by saying that I can answer questions in French or English. If you want to get the full text of my remarks, you can go to my website, sophiemathieu.ca.

Human Resources committee  Thank you. My name is Sophie Mathieu. I have a doctorate in sociology and I specialize in the study of family policy in Quebec. I work at the Vanier Institute of the Family as a senior program specialist and I am a member of the National Advisory Council on Early Learning and Child Care.

Human Resources committee  Right, I will speak a little slower. Quebec has a rich history of 25 years of lessons, successes and challenges in connection with its child care services. In Quebec, there is virtually no further debate about the wisdom of offering low-cost child care. Nonetheless, the network faces other challenges that are well documented, such as the shortage of spaces, the quality of care, and problems recruiting and retaining staff.