Thank you, Mr. Chair. Yes, I have a number of questions as well on this page. Obviously, we’re talking a great deal of money here. So I’d like to just follow up first on that early childhood aspect.
I want to say first off that we have, as a committee, had some good discussions with the Minister and we’re looking forward to developing opportunities in the early childhood area. I think the Minister understands our interest from this side of the House and the priority we’re placing on it.
Just reading the description, the activity description, Mr. Chair, the early childhood and school services division provides direction, standards, supports, as well as program and curriculum development for children from early childhood through to Grade 12 completion. That’s such a massive effort. As the research comes in and understanding improves, we realize that there are significant aspects of early childhood that are really more of a health focus and yet ECE is the lead. I would suggest that they’re starting to realize the importance of this and I’m sure they’ll be a good lead, but can I get confirmation that the Minister understands and supports that statement that during the prenatal through to the time when the children enter the school system, be it preschool or whatever, that there’s a real health and social service focus required?
I’ll just add to that, that I completely agree with the Minister’s description of that earlier, the focus is on the parents. I’ve just learned, I don’t know if the Minister happened to catch the CBC radio program the other night, but I can put him in touch with that, it was a whole hour on this program in Harlem about baby college. They literally go out on the street and encourage any pregnant woman or parent with a stroller to attend baby college for nine
Saturday mornings. They’re having amazing results.
But let me start with can I get the Minister’s confirmation of similar understanding? Mahsi.