Human Resources committee  I agree that it's a challenge. In Quebec, the labour shortage is also an issue in early childhood education. We saw action taken to address the problem during the pandemic. Sadly, the hiring criteria were loosened and people began hiring staff who were not fully trained. Improvi

Human Resources committee  Yes, they do, absolutely. That's what the Quebec studies are showing.

Human Resources committee  Dr. Japel, have you seen this happening?

Human Resources committee  Yes, I'd be happy to. Actually, it's a cross between two studies. Would you like me to explain?

Human Resources committee  I will let Dr. Japel take that question.

Human Resources committee  If I understand correctly, you would like to know what effect child care services have on preventing poverty and you are asking me whether, in Quebec, it has been noted that child care services have had that effect. Is that correct?

Human Resources committee  Since child care services were instituted, we have seen exponential growth in women's labour market participation. If I remember correctly, their labour market participation rate rose from 66% to 80%. In Ontario, it rose from 66% to 70% over the same period. The number of famili

Human Resources committee  That's me, Mr. Chair.

Human Resources committee  Thank you, Mr. Chair. I would like to thank the committee members for inviting me to take part in your study. I am Marilou Denault and I am the Senior Advisor for Communications and Public Affairs at the Observatoire des tout‑petits. I am accompanied by Christa Japel, associate