Human Resources committee  Yes, yes, yes, yes and yes.

Human Resources committee  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.

Human Resources committee  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.

Human Resources committee  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.

Human Resources committee  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.

Human Resources committee  I can jump in. Is it okay if I take the question?

Human Resources committee  We support and value the licensed child care system, and we would really like to see wording in the bill that makes it explicit that the funding provided for the realization of this plan will stay within the licensed, regulated system of child care. We believe that the government has a role to play in ensuring that a certain set of minimum standards are maintained.

Human Resources committee  Thank you. I believe the process for applying to the national advisory council and the vetting process were quite rigorous. I don't espouse that it would be possible to represent every single perspective at that council. I feel that would be very difficult. Certainly, there is a good array of representation currently.

Human Resources committee  That's a great question. The YMCA has been at this for a number of decades now, and we have an established national curriculum that was developed at the YMCA of Greater Toronto, which is implemented across the country. In each province where we're operating, we also ensure that we are not only meeting, but, as often as we can, exceeding the regulations and guidelines that are set out.

Human Resources committee  It would be a good start. Right now, we have a baseline in Ontario of $18 an hour, which is far too low, and frankly, somewhat insulting for ECEs. You can get a job and work as a barista, for example, and make more money than that. It's not congruent with the value that ECEs are bringing to our society.

Human Resources committee  We certainly wouldn't be looking to increase fees for that age group, because we don't feel that families could manage an additional fee. Those fees are already, relatively speaking now in comparison with CWELCC fees, quite high, but there will be a need to look at other ways to help those families to manage their costs, because as the CWELCC reduces fees for the under-six age group, it does become a bit glaring in terms of the fees that parents with older children pay for before- and after-school care.

Human Resources committee  Good morning. Thank you for the opportunity to join you here today. I'm Sibel Cicek, and I'm here representing the YMCA of Greater Toronto. The YMCA of Greater Toronto has more than 300 child care program locations serving children ages 0 to 12 and their families. We're also part of an Ontario network and a network across Canada.