Description: The goal of this report is better understanding of the principle of the Best Interests of the Child (BIC) and more effective application in Canada. It is part of the larger goal to achieve full implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. It draws on the expertise and experience of the many presenters at the two-day, multi-disciplinary conference on The Best Interests of the Child: Its Meaning and Application in Canada, held at the University of Toronto, Faculty of Law, on February 27-28, 2009 and it reflects the discussion of key issues, good practices, and suggestions by all participants. It captures major themes and suggestions for use in on-going reflection and development. It does not pretend to be an exhaustive analysis of all the issues involved or a complete record of the conference proceedings. It hopes to share knowledge, stimulate further learning, and encourage improvements in policy and practice at all levels across Canada, for the benefit of Canada’s children. Early childhood learning and care, excerpt pg. 54 There is no evidence that current federal policy approaches take into account the BIC as a primary consideration. In addition to lack of federal-provincial and interdepartmental co-operation, children in Canada bear the impacts of ideological controversies about the role of women in society and ideal forms of family life. Debates about early childhood programs have primarily been framed in relation to whether women should work or stay at home. These battles ignore the reality for young children across the country, do not take into account the results of evidence-based research on child development, and fail to give priority to the BIC.