Excerpt:

Substantive action is required in this federal budget to address child and family poverty and meet the government's stated objectives of improving the lives of all children. To move forward on addressing child poverty, Campaign 2000 argues for strategic investment in a three-pronged policy agenda consisting of increased income supports through a comprehensive child benefit, the creation of affordable housing units, and a national strategy of early childhood care and education and care.

While this budget must invest in all three of these areas, we argue that particular attention be paid to the federal government firmly establishing itself in the policy area of ECEC.