Statement from Minister McLean following the Charlottetown Pan-Territorial Ministers and Officials Early Learning and Child Care meeting

Minister of Education Jeanie McLean has issued the following statement:

"Yesterday, I had the privilege of meeting with federal, provincial and territorial Ministers and senior officials to advance shared priorities in early learning and child care. Leading up to this, I also met with Nunavut’s Minister of Education Pamela Hakongak Gross and senior officials from both Nunavut and the Northwest Territories Departments of Education to discuss how our governments can improve outcomes for children and families across the North.

“Our government is committed to providing Yukoners with high-quality early learning and child care that is affordable, accessible and inclusive. Throughout these discussions, my focus was on bringing the Yukon to the forefront. This includes highlighting the importance of the Government of Canada’s support for the Yukon’s school food programs. Once finalized, the new National School Food Program agreement will help expand these programs, ensuring that more children across the territory receive the nutritious meals they need. This program would benefit families, support the economy and directly invests in our children’s health, education and future.

"While meeting with my northern counterparts and officials, we shared knowledge, discussed concerns and aligned our priorities. In preparation for our larger meeting, we focused on the need to highlight to the federal government the significant and unique financial challenges families in the North face. We also discussed the positive impact the National School Food Program will have on students’ health and wellbeing, particularly in addressing food insecurity a persistent issue in northern communities.

“In our meeting with federal and provincial and territorial counterparts, we all reaffirmed our commitment to building on the past three years of work towards a high-quality early learning and child care strategy. This includes initiatives like establishing wage grids, improving pay and benefits for workers. We emphasized the need for continued collaboration and sharing the best practices to address regional needs while advancing shared goals.

"In the months ahead, we will continue to work together to finalize the Multilateral Early Learning and Child Care Workforce Strategy to build a stronger future for families and children across the country.

“I want to thank everyone who attended this meeting and express my appreciation to the Honourable Jenna Sudds, Canada’s Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, and the Honourable Rob Lantz, Prince Edward Island’s Minister of Education and Early Years, for chairing it. It was inspiring to see so many jurisdictions across the country come together to advocate for sustainable progress in early learning and child care.

"Our government is committed to creating a high-quality early learning and child care system that works for Yukoners – now and for future generations.”