Thank you, Madam Chair. I am here today to present Bill 68, An Act to Amend the Child Day Care Act.

The Child Day Care Act defines how children should be cared for in facilities outside of their homes in the NWT. The Act and its corresponding regulations set minimum standards for the quality, care, instruction, and supervision of children.

In December 2021, the GNWT signed the Canada-NWT Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement, in which the federal government pledged to provide additional funding to reduce barriers and transform the early learning and child care system in the NWT. The agreement and action plan focused on making child care more affordable for families, developing a qualified early childhood workforce, and establishing a strong basis for accountability.

Amendments to the Child Day Care Act are required to fully implement this agreement and meet the enhanced accountability and reporting measures required by Canada.

Bill 68 proposes a limited set of amendments to the Act that will

• Provide the authority to establish a certification process and wage grid for early childhood educators in the NWT;.
• Increase inclusion and demographic reporting measures;.
• Establish cost control measures, including maximum fees charged to families;.
• Introduce enhanced protection for the rights of families, including a complaints process; and
• Update and clarify language in the act.

I wish to thank the Standing Committee on Social Development for their review and collaboration on this important initiative, including the six motions to amend and agreed to during the clause-by-clause review. This concludes my opening remarks. Thank you.