Okay.
I want to read a couple of letters that I received. The reason I want to take some time to do this is that the Action Coalition for Early Childhood Education and Care Nova Scotia, as well as the Nova Scotia Coalition of Non Profit Directors have both asked to be witnesses, and they were unable to be witnesses here. Knowing that the minister was going to speak, I'm going to just read some of the comments they sent me.
This is to all members of the committee:
Dear Members We are writing on behalf of the Action Coalition to let you know that our Coalition strongly supports Bill C-303. This bill, when passed, will be the first step toward building the child care system that Canadians need and want—In the 37 years since the Royal Commission on the Status of Women's recommendations, far too many Canadian children and parents have had to endure haphazard, questionable quality and at times even dangerous ECLC arrangements. We understand that the government of Nova Scotia is speaking against this bill. We want you to know that we do not support their position. We strongly urge you to support Bill C-303.
I note that it is signed by Sue Wolstenholme, who has fought for child care for probably four decades in Halifax, and Theresa Griffin.
The Nova Scotia Coalition of Non Profit Directors says, among other things:We write to you in order to express our strong support for Bill C-303 and to express our shock that our province does not support such a landmark piece of legislation. Currently, in Nova Scotia, the reality is that families do not benefit from a comprehensive early childhood education and care system. Most families, more accurately, struggle with a collection of programs and services which are costly and not accessible to all those in need—Families need services they can depend on, irregardless of socio-economic status or geographic location. Life long learning and education for all is a right, not a privilege. Nova Scotia needs the leadership and accountability that Bill C-303 would provide.
I didn't read everything because it would take some time, but I'll make the letters available. Mr. Lake, I know, will want to study these, and other members will have the opportunity as well.
In light of the fact that the minister was presenting, the child care community in Nova Scotia was very excited on that day in May when we signed these agreements. They almost unanimously, in my view, were excited about it.
It is a new day. It's a slightly darker day than the one we had, in my view, a couple of years ago. I do hope the Government of Nova Scotia is able to make some steps forward on child care. I know the minister has indicated some of the steps they're taking, but we lost an awful lot when that agreement went down the tubes, and I think it's a real shame.
Do I have time for a question?