They're twofold. It would certainly increase women's participation in the economy. The statistics speak for themselves. I think Quebec has one of the highest rates of women participation in the economy. A large part of that has to do with having a child care program to assist women with the needs of their children while they're working. We've seen increased productivity that has come as a result of that and that the economy as a whole has grown because of their contribution.
The provincial government is getting back every penny they put into the program because women are offsetting that by contributing to the tax base by paying income tax. In addition to that, for the children.... Early learning is a fundamental principle, that we all learn through academic studies. That can help children get an early start in regard to their future. More importantly, it can provide an equal space for everybody to have the same...which over time will make our society that much more equal.
Quebec has done this to a large extent without much federal help. I think what the government is attempting to do here can certainly spur other provinces to invest more in the child care network across this country. It would be a tremendous boost to the economy overall going forward. Plus, it would help the kids. We want them to have a good foundation as they grow up to be adults. It would also allow families to be less stressed about what can happen to their kids when they can't find adequate child care.
As a father, I know first-hand that in absence of me and my partner being able to provide for my child to have personal care, I couldn't do what I'm doing because my schedule does not allow me to just send my child to child care and wait at the end of the day for him or her to be picked up.