Today, I would like to use my platform to amplify the concerns expressed by those in the child care sector regarding issues attracting and retaining staff and early childhood educators. I share these concerns on behalf of child care providers across the province, but specifically, one child care provider in my community. They are losing 15 ECE graduates of Fanshawe College, because they are leaving Ontario. They are relocating to take advantage of the better immigration pathways for ECEs in other provinces.

The loss of these workers directly impacts the care and education of 120 preschoolers who would benefit from their expertise. Without immediate action, we risk compromising the quality of early childhood education in our communities and hindering the future success of our children.

The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program serves as a gateway for individuals with the skills and experience that our economy needs to obtain permanent residency in Ontario. We must recognize and take proactive measures to retain and attract skilled professionals to this vital sector. I call upon the Ministers of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development; Education; and Colleges and Universities to address this urgent matter by implementing a comprehensive provincial immigration pathway tailored explicitly to early childhood educators.

Investing in our educators and prioritizing the quality of early childhood education is not only essential for the well-being of our children but also for the prosperity and success of our province as a whole. Together, let’s work to create a more equitable and prosperous future for all Ontarians.