Human Resources Committee on April 21st, 2023

[Sibel Cicek]

They are extremely significant. The number one reason we are losing people to other sectors or to other organizations, like school boards and municipalities, is the wages that we're able to pay. They are not high enough to make it worthwhile for ECEs to have a career and to support their own families, with the current rate of pay they're being provided.

It's absolutely critical that we address compensation. Certainly, it is not the only thing we can do to improve what employment looks like for ECEs, but it is absolutely the first priority that we need to make for ourselves as we look at implementing this program.

[Leah Gazan, NDP, Winnipeg Centre, MB]

As well, the YMCA submission talks about how the language in Bill C-35 should be strengthened to better recognize the federal government's role in supporting early childhood educators.

Would you support amending the bill so that it clearly commits to supporting decent working conditions, livable wages and benefits as one of the principles guiding federal investments in the system?

[Sibel Cicek]

Yes, I believe you've articulated that quite well. That is something we would support. It would really strengthen the bill and the commitments, not only to implementing this program but to the workforce that is responsible for ensuring its success.

[Leah Gazan, NDP, Winnipeg Centre, MB]

Your brief also speaks about the need for federal leadership to support an ECE workforce. To this end, would you support a national workforce strategy that would look to address issues, including compensation, benefits, retirement security, adequate working conditions, education and training opportunities?

[Sibel Cicek]

Yes, yes, yes, yes and yes.

[Leah Gazan, NDP, Winnipeg Centre, MB]

That's perfect. The YMCA is currently the largest provider of non-profit, licensed child care. In your brief you mentioned that it's critical for Bill C-35 to prioritize non-profit care. Do you agree that the federal investment should focus on an expansion of public and non-profit child care services, rather than those that are private and for-profit? If so, why?

[Sibel Cicek]

That's a great question, and it's not something that we've taken a public position on. As non-profit providers, we certainly understand the value of ensuring that tax dollars are being very well stewarded in the non-profit sector. We know that families want non-profit child care. We have very long wait-lists that demonstrate that people are interested in the expansion of our programs.

We are very pleased that the priority has been put on non-profit expansion. We are looking forward to supporting that process.

[Leah Gazan, NDP, Winnipeg Centre, MB]

The word “licensed” is also an important distinction. Why is it important for federal investments in ELCC to prioritize licensed, centre-based and home-based child care?

[Sibel Cicek]

The licence system allows for public accountability and transparency. There are certain standards that need to be met to ensure that programs are high-quality and being implemented according to ratio, and that we're offering safe and stimulating environments for kids.

The risks are really high when you're working with a vulnerable population of kids under six. We need to ensure that public investment and the mandate for this program really are tied to the licence system to ensure that we are expanding licensed, regulated, safe and stimulating high-quality child care for children and families.

[The Chair, Liberal, Bobby Morrissey]

Thank you.

Thank you, Ms. Gazan.

That concludes this round of witnesses. I would like, at this time, to thank the witnesses for presenting today and answering the questions. We will suspend, and the witnesses can leave at this time, but then members who are here virtually will have to come back in, as the committee will move into an in camera business portion for the next, roughly, 30 minutes.

Again, thank you, witnesses and committee members. We will suspend for a couple of minutes while we reconnect.

Merci beaucoup.

[Proceedings continue in camera]