Overview
Canada has committed to ensuring women’s full participation in society and in the workforce, something that requires access to affordable, quality early learning and child care (ELCC). Yet, even as one of the wealthiest countries in the world, and without any identifiable barriers to fulfilling this obligation, Canada has failed to make this right a reality. Instead, Canada is consistently awarded the lowest possible grades in ELCC.
Women are disproportionately responsible for child care, one of the key barriers that mothers face in getting themselves and their children out of poverty is the lack of access to affordable, quality ELCC. To fulfill their obligations to women and children, governments must prioritize quality ELCC programs.
The Women’s Centre has been working to advocate for social and economic policies that reflect the realities and experiences of women in Calgary. Through ongoing events and consultation, women have consistently identified child care as priority. As a result, this is one of the policy focuses of the Women’s Centre.