Newfoundland

The second in a free series on Early Child Education in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Presenters:

Craig Alexander, Senior Vice-President & Chief Economist with the TD Bank

Craig manages a large team of economists that support all of the divisions and clients of TD - the second largest bank in Canada and the eighth largest bank in the United States. Craig has 15 years of experience in the private sector as an economic and financial forecaster. He is also a regular commentator on public policy, including quality early child education. Craig is passionate about the importance of investing in early child education as prudent public policy, as well as long-term economic development.

Pierre Fortin, Professor of Economics at Université du Québec à Montréal & Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada.

Pierre is a well-known economist in academic, political and media circles and with the public in general. His research on the economic benefits of Quebec's investment in Early Child Education is internationally recognized. Pierre argues that, not only will ECE more than pay for itself; planned correctly, the benefits of full-time, publicly-supported learning and care programs begin immediately and the payoffs are more far-reaching than speculated.

The Department of Child, Youth and Family Services is continuing to review the Child Care Services Act and Regulations; the legislation and regulations which establish health, safety and program standards in the area of child care. From January 29 - February 6, 2014, the department is engaging in public consultation and seeking input from parents and representatives of the child care sector on proposed amendments to help improve child care legislation and regulations.

Parents and child care sector representatives wishing to participate in the review of the Child Care Services Act and Regulations can do so by attending a session being held in their local area, or by forwarding a written submission to the department.

To register for a session or provide written feedback, please contact the Policies and Programs Branch of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services.