Excerpts from the Budget Plan 2005 (technical report):
Budget 2005 delivers on the Government of Canada's commitment of $5 billion over five years in support of an Early Learning and Child Care initiative in cooperation with provinces and territories. Discussions with provinces, territories and stakeholders are ongoing, and significant progress towards the development of the framework is anticipated in the course of the year. A long-term vision, measurable goals based on shared QUAD principles, and the accountability of all governments to their citizens are part of these discussions. The necessary steps required to implement this vision and ensure that children have the best start in life will be taken once these discussions have concluded.
The Government recognizes that provinces and territories are at different stages in the development of their respective early learning and child care programs and services. In that context, Budget 2005 is making available $700 million, to be paid into a third-party trust upon passage of authorizing legislation. Provinces and territories will have the flexibility to draw down the funds on a per capita basis, as they require, up to the end of 2005&em;06, while a framework for quality programs and services across the country is developed.