(New Glasgow, Nova Scotia), December 18, 2007-The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, on behalf of the Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, today announced support for early childhood development in two communities of Northeastern Nova Scotia.
"The Government of Canada is delivering on its commitment to support children, families and communities," said Minister MacKay. "These two projects will bring together families, teachers and community leaders to gather information on the developmental needs of children from birth to age six in Pictou-Antigonish-Guysborough and in Cape Breton-Victoria, and develop an action plan to respond to those needs."
The contribution of $733, 480 is provided through the Understanding the Early Years (UEY) Initiative.
Today's announcement brings the total Understanding the Early Years (UEY) investment in five Nova Scotia communities to almost $2 million over the past two years.
Information collected through UEY helps communities understand how their children are doing physically, socially and cognitively, and how families and the community are supporting these children. Each three-year project is managed by a non-profit organization which works in collaboration with local organizations that are committed to helping children and families reach their full potential.
Understanding the Early Years is one example of how the Government of Canada invests in children.
This year alone, the Government of Canada is providing nearly $5.6 billion in support of early learning and child care through transfers, direct spending and tax measures:
$1,200 in annual support to families for each child under age six through the Universal Child Care Benefit;
A new Child Care Tax Credit for parents raising children under the age of 18 that provides tax relief for more than 3 million Canadian families; and
Increased transfers to provinces and territories to support the creation of child care spaces.
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This news release is available in alternative formats upon request.
Visit the HRSDC Web site - www.hrsdc.gc.ca.
For more information (media only):
Pema Lhalungpa
Press Secretary
Office of Minister Solberg
819-994-2482
Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Social Development Canada
819-994-5559
