Firstly, we are looking for an increase in supported parental leave for 18 months and a top-up for low-wage earners who cannot now afford to even take a year's leave available through employment insurance because 55% of a low wage is not enough to live on.
Secondly, we are looking for a significant investment of federal funds in child care through provincial agreements, or directly, to support parents' ability to work and their children's right to quality care and learning. Too many parents are unable to return to work after the birth of a child because there is either no space available or it is too expensive. High-quality child care after a period of supported parental leave is the essential building block that is missing in Canada's support for families with young children.