Evidence of meeting #71 for Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities in the 39th Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was parents.
A recording is available from Parliament.
5 p.m.
Liberal
Todd Russell Liberal Labrador, NL
No. What do you consider are legitimate forms, good-quality child care?
5 p.m.
As an Individual
Well, you were using a legal word. You're talking about what I consider to be good forms, is that correct?
5 p.m.
As an Individual
Okay. I'll try that.
How were you raised? You seem to have turned out okay.
5 p.m.
Some hon. members
Oh, oh!
5 p.m.
Some hon. members
Oh, oh!
5 p.m.
Liberal
Todd Russell Liberal Labrador, NL
I'm asking the question, so could you answer it, please, in a respectful tone?
5 p.m.
As an Individual
The criterion should be that the child feels loved and secure and that the caregiver is the same caregiver for a number of years so the child is anchored in emotional support.
I suspect everybody at that table has very little concept of what it's like to lack that support.
5 p.m.
Executive Director, Institute of Marriage and Family Canada
Our research has shown that parents--
5 p.m.
Executive Director, Institute of Marriage and Family Canada
Well, I haven't come here to tell you my personal opinion but rather to bring you the research we've done on this particular issue. I think that's more relevant to your debate.
5 p.m.
Liberal
5 p.m.
Executive Director, Institute of Marriage and Family Canada
Our organization has shown that for that good quality day care, the preferred people to raise your child, in descending order, would be mom or dad staying at home with their child; a family member; a local family you're familiar with, not necessarily kin but somebody you know, whom you trust, who loves your children; a non-profit child care situation; and then a for-profit child care situation. That's the order. But parents prefer to raise their children.
5 p.m.
Liberal
Todd Russell Liberal Labrador, NL
The reasons are debatable, but you have child care as it's being proposed in this bill being one of those forms of legitimate child care that could offer those things that Ms. Smith said the child needs. So I appreciate that.
Hello, Ms. Ward.
5 p.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Dean Allison
Okay. We had Mr. Quist. Who was the last person you wanted to hear from, Mr. Russell?
5 p.m.
President, Kids First Parent Association of Canada
Any form of child care that meets a child's developmental needs for attachment and attunement is okay, but it's parents who make these decisions. The state has no place in the child care decisions of the nation. That was the Liberal government's policy in 1999, and I hope they get back to it.
I've used mom care, dad care, grandmother care, uncle care, friend care, neighbour care, babysitter care--you name it. I lived underneath a day care for four and a half years, which was run by a close friend. I am entitled to a full fee subsidy. It would have been free, accessible, high quality, but I prefer my own care.
5 p.m.
Liberal
Todd Russell Liberal Labrador, NL
I understand that two out of three of you agree that the child care of one form or another being contemplated in this bill is appropriate. I can't see how you would say that because this bill would increase child care spaces it somehow takes away choice. To me, it will add to the choices that people have.
I would leave it at that.
Thank you, Mr. Chair.