Mr. Speaker, I have received letters from 200 members of the Ontario English Catholic Teachers Association in support of the national children's agenda. The teachers are endorsing the recommendations outlined by the Canadian Teachers' Federation. Their proposal calls for an additional allocation of 1% of GDP by the year 2005 phased in over the next five years at a rate of two billion new dollars each year.
The teachers recommend that the funds be allocated to seven priority areas, including a comprehensive early childhood development system, an affordable housing program for low income Canadians, and a national child care strategy. Teachers are well positioned to assess the needs of children and recommend programs and services to ensure the development of their full potential.
The government has made significant progress in supporting the income of families. Now we need to concentrate on supporting early childhood development services.