Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Thank you, Ms. Savoie.
I applaud the tabling of this bill which points out, exceptionally, that Quebec is doing something good within Confederation. I think this is truly worth noting. The process of setting up a daycare system in Quebec took 30 years. It didn't happen overnight. As you said, it addresses a need, particularly for women. We don't want just any kind of daycare system. We want an excellent one that reflects the fact that we invest collectively in our children. In my estimation, we need to acknowledge this fact.
People say that parents should have a choice, but in order to have a choice, they need to have some options. That's not the case right now in Canada because no public daycare system is in place. We can't give parents a choice by depriving them of the right to choose a daycare that meets their needs. By doing that, we deprive everyone of a choice. The funding issue is, in my opinion, a red herring. People question whether parents should receive money to take care of their children. That's a valid question, but it's not the issue here. We shouldn't mix apples and oranges. What we want is child care services. That's the real issue here.
The proposed daycare system would address a real need, a need that will continue to grow. The question we must ask ourselves is this: do we want to give our children the very best opportunities to prepare them for school. Above all, low-income families must have equal access to child care services.
I am, however, concerned about one thing. You mentioned accountability. Since Quebec will be fully entitled to opt out of this system, I'm wondering if it might be required to meet certain standards and to account for its use of any money allocated in future for its day care program.