Ministers Discuss Early Learning and Child Care Workforce Strategy

On November 28, 2024, ministers responsible for early learning and child care from federal, provincial, and territorial governments met in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. The meeting focused on advancing a draft workforce strategy for early learning and child care. The strategy, developed collaboratively, emphasizes recruitment, retention, and recognition of the workforce.

The ministers reviewed progress made over the past year and discussed the importance of sustainable funding for the Canada-wide early learning and child care system. They highlighted the benefits already seen by over 750,000 children and families across Canada. The ministers also acknowledged the need to address the unique requirements of local and Indigenous communities in their systems.

This meeting marked the third gathering of the Federal, Provincial, and Territorial Forum of Ministers Most Responsible for Early Learning and Child Care, established in 2022. The Forum serves as a platform for discussing priorities, sharing best practices, and setting collaboration goals. Manitoba will assume the role of co-chair, succeeding Prince Edward Island.

Looking forward, the ministers agreed to continue collaborating on data collection and recognizing the contributions of early childhood educators. Quebec participates in the Forum as an observer and is not part of the Canada-wide system.