Terms of reference - National Advisory Council on Early Learning and Child Care

On this page

• Mandate
• Duration
• Remuneration
• Compensation, travel and accommodation
• Intellectual property
• Secretariat

Mandate

The Speech from the Throne presented by the Governor General in September 2020 recognized the need for child care that is more:

• accessible
• affordable
• inclusive, and
• high quality

To ensure a robust and resilient recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic, the government’s Fall Economic Statement 2020 laid the groundwork for a Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) System.

As announced in Budget 2021, a Canada-wide ELCC System built on an open and collaborative relationship with partners and stakeholders is required to meet the needs of Canadian families. To support this plan, a National Advisory Council on ELCC will provide third-party expert advice and a forum for consultation on issues and challenges facing the ELCC sector in Canada. The Council will reflect Canada’s geographic, cultural, linguistic, and socio-economic diversity and would include experts from across the sector.

Duration

The members will have a 3 year term effective the day of their appointments by the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development. Appointments will be part of an open, transparent and merit-based selection process that strives for gender parity and reflects Canada’s diversity.

Remuneration

Appointments will be made by the Minister. Members will be compensated in connection with their work for the Council. The remuneration may be fixed by the Governor in Council, pursuant to the Department of Employment and Social Development Act. The remuneration rates for members are under review.

Compensation, travel and accommodation

Members of the Council are eligible to be reimbursed for the travel, living and other expenses incurred, in connection with their work for the Council while absent from their ordinary place of work or residence.

Intellectual property

All intellectual property rights in any document or written advice produced by member(s) shall be and remain the property of the Queen, Her Majesty in Right of Canada, as soon as they come into existence.

Secretariat

The Council will be supported by a Federal Secretariat on ELCC that is currently being established at ESDC. The Secretariat will serve as a focal point for ELCC across the Government of Canada, and lay the foundation for a Canada-wide ELCC system.