A universally accessible, affordable, public and not-for-profit child care system in Canada is the most important equalizer for children and families alike – particularly those who are already marginalized.

We encourage PSAC members to join Child Care Now and allies to support a National Day of Action for Early Learning and Child Care on November 30.

The federal government’s historic child care initiative has reduced fees on licensed child care for children under six, however, there are still only enough licensed spaces for a small fraction of those who need it. Vulnerable families and children are much more likely to be falling through the gaps between supply and demand.

Despite promises from the federal, provincial, and territorial governments to create an additional 250,000 licensed spaces by 2025–26, very few spaces have opened up in either the not-for-profit or public sectors.

On November 30, the child care advocates and allies will call for immediate and meaningful government action to address the shortage of qualified early childhood educators, which is a major stumbling block to making licensed programs more available for Canadian families.

How to support the day of action 

• Contact child care advocates in your region (list of affiliates here) for information about provincial and local events. 
   
• Sign the open letter calling on governments to address the child care shortage. 
   
• Use the advocacy toolkit materials.  
   
• Encourage your coworkers and members to get involved in the National Day of Action November 30. Wear polka dots to work and post pictures on social media with the message #dotsforspots and #childcareforall. 
   
• Join the Phone Zap on November 30th at 3 p.m ET and 7 p.m ET. Activists will meet over Zoom, provide you with a script, and we will all dial MPs and target Cabinet Ministers. Please register here to attend the Phone Zap.