Item - 2021.MM32.12

City Council on May 5 and 6, 2021, adopted the following:

1.  City Council reaffirm the City of Toronto’s support for building a system of early learning and child care services that are high-quality, public and not-for profit, affordable, inclusive and accessible for all families.

2.  City Council express its support for the Government of Canada’s April 19, 2021 budget announcement to invest in building a Canada wide system of Early Learning and Child Care and Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care, that builds on City of Toronto policies and service plans, and has adequate and ongoing operating and capital funding.

3.  City Council communicate to the Provincial and Federal Governments, the City of Toronto's interest in working collaboratively, and participating in tri-lateral discussions as soon as possible, with the goal of achieving intergovernmental agreements by Fall 2021, and City Council make these negotiations a priority in our intergovernmental strategies.

4.  City Council direct the General Manager, Children's Services to include in the June 2021 Growth Strategy Update report to the Economic and Community Development Committee and City Council, the opportunities and funding the Federal announcement could provide to expedite the Growth Strategy in Toronto, and to report to the Budget Committee on the City's share of new committed funding for child care once it is known.

5.  City Council direct the General Manager, Children's Services to work closely with, and leverage the expertise of partners including the Province, City divisions, school boards and service providers to expand existing and develop new licensed child care services. 

6.  City Council request the City Clerk to distribute City Council's decision to other municipalities in Ontario, the Ontario Municipal Social Services Association and the Association of Municipalities of Ontario.