Thanks, Mr. Chair. First off, I'd like to thank the mover of the motion for a very eloquent and detailed rationale that sets out the importance of supporting universal daycare in our communities. I don't really want to repeat any of her arguments. I think she made them very well. What I want to do though, Mr. Chair, is focus back on the priorities that we identified as the 18th Assembly earlier on in our lives here. Back in December, the priority reads under “Cost of Living” number 6: “Implementing universal and affordable childcare.” That's what we committed to do together before people assumed their Cabinet hats and folks on this side. That's what we committed to do. What came back from Cabinet is “We will develop options.” That's helpful. I think what this motion, though, is really about is to try to strengthen that commitment and make it a measurable action. What we suggest is that there should be an action plan within two years, that's the difference. We've put a timeframe on it. It's not just about developing options, we want an action plan.
How we actually implement it, that's something we can debate and discuss in terms of the budget and when we see the action plan, but a vague commitment to develop options I just don't think reflects the priorities that we developed together for this Assembly back in December. I'm also very persuaded by the comments of the previous speaker about the importance of this for small communities and investing in our people. That's what this is really about, and making sure that we move that forward as a clear priority for the 18th Assembly. Thank you, Mr. Chair.