News:

Motion by Councillor McHattie re:
Canada-Ontario Agreement on Child Care (COACC)

June 14, 2006

WHEREAS the City of Hamilton delivers Children Service plans and manages the local child care systems, focusing on the integration of government initiatives, inter agency coordination and the development of new programs and services

AND WHEREAS the Federal Government has formally announced its intention to cancel the Canada-Ontario Agreement on Child Care (COACC) effective April 1, 2007;

AND WHEREAS Child development experts, women's advocates, and international organizations have all agreed that Canada 's current patchwork system of child care is sadly inadequate and undermines the lifelong potential of our children, and the opportunity for full labour force participation by parents;

AND WHEREAS the Federal Governments anticipated annual surplus of $15 billion in the coming years provides ample resources with which to fund both the continuation of the COACC, as well as the $100 per month child allowance;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the City of Hamilton work with the Federal Government to obtain the best possible deal with respect to preserving the COACC;

AND FURTHER THAT a copy of this resolution be sent to area Members of Provincial and Federal Parliament.