Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Just so Members are aware, the child care user subsidy program now includes a new, more equitable subsidy for parents based on the needs test. Part-time child care is now available, including after school care. As well, assistance is available for parents who are not employed or are studying but whose children are at risk and would benefit from a program of early intervention.

The other component is the child care start-up support and the contributions to assist the start-up cost of licensed, non-profit child care programs have been enhanced. We are providing additional assistance to promote more openings for infants and children requiring additional support. This contribution is now available to assist the start-up of part-time and after-school programs. The support is available for minor health and safety renovations. There is also the issue of program support, training and wage incentives for caregivers. The other issue we are now working on is the approach to early interventions as a part of the overall child care program.