Sent via e-mail: minister.edu@ontario.ca
March 15, 2022
The Honourable Stephen Lecce
Minister of Education
5th Floor, 438 University Avenue
Toronto, Ontario M7A 2A5
Dear Minister Lecce:
It is welcome news to hear that the provincial government feels that it is close to signing a bilateral agreement with the federal government for child care and the early years programming. With more funding, child care and early years will continue to play a key role in Ontario’s economic and social recovery from COVID-19 in many ways.
Municipalities and District Social Service Administration Boards have been crucial partners in Ontario’s COVID-19 response and will be the key players on the ground in communities when a deal is signed. They stand ready to work with the Ministry as partners and are available to help identify Ontario’s community priorities and advise on implementation considerations. AMO respectfully asks that given the closeness to a deal, that the Ministry engage in planning conversations now.
Policy conversations with AMO at the political table remain relevant. It is critical that the municipal service system management role does not fundamentally change under any agreement. As you are aware, municipal governments and District Social Service Administration Boards play significant roles in funding, planning, managing and, in many cases, directly delivering child care and early years programs. There is a solid value proposition with the municipal role as our governments are close to the people and know local needs. They are also well positioned to put in place customized solutions that work for communities.
AMO looks forward to working with the government and supporting the best possible outcomes for the children, families, and communities in Ontario.
Sincerely,
Jamie McGarvey
AMO President and Mayor of the Town of Parry Sound
cc:The Honourable Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing
Kate Manson-Smith, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing
Nancy Naylor, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Education
Cathy Cousins, President, Ontario Municipal Social Services Association (OMSSA)
Michelle Boileau, Chair, Northern Ontario Services Deliverers' Association (NOSDA)