In September 2005, the province signed the 2005 Early Learning and Child Care Agreement in Principle. Under this agreement BC was to receive $633.3 million over five years. In order to seek advice on the priorities for investment under the agreement, the ministries of Education and Children and Family Development embarked on a series of province-wide consultations during the fall and winter of 2005/06.

In addition, the consultations were to seek advice on implementing the Ministry of Education’s broader mandate, which now includes: life-long literacy, early learning, libraries and health promoting schools, as well as community development and access, as they relate to these service areas.

It should be noted that in February 2006 a new federal government was elected and the ELCC Agreement in Principle was subsequently cancelled. BC received $92 million in federal funding in 2005/06 for the first year of the agreement – and a further $86 million in 2006/07. The new federal government has made commitments to child care through a universal child care plan– the details of which are still forthcoming. The government remains committed to its vision to provide access to quality early learning and child care in all BC communities.

This summary identifies common themes and issues that arose through the consultations. The feedback received on early learning and child care will continue to be used to inform provincial priorities.

Click here to read a summary of the joint consultations.

Click here for an overview of who participated in the MCFD led Community Sessions regarding Early Learning and Child Care in BC.

Interested parties were encouraged to provide feedback, either through a web-based consultation questionnaire, or by attending one of the public consultation sessions held in communities across BC.

Click here to read the news release