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Decentralized Democracy

Ontario Assembly Bill

Ontario Bill 49

43rd Parl. 1st Sess.
November 28, 2022
Early Years and Child Care Worker Advisory Commission Act, 2022
  • This bill establishes the Early Years and Child Care Worker Advisory Commission in Ontario. The Commission will be composed of members from the early years and child care workforce, organizations representing this workforce, labor unions, and experts in the field. The Commission's main function is to develop recommendations on how to support the early years and child care workforce, including increasing wages, implementing a salary scale based on skill and experience, setting minimum work standards and benefits, and creating strategies for career advancement. The Commission will publish an annual report with these recommendations on a government website and submit it to the Minister of Education. The Minister of Education will also meet with the Commission annually to discuss the report. The Act will come into force once it receives Royal Assent and is titled the Early Years and Child Care Worker Advisory Commission Act, 2022.
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SteelmanSpren in Favour

  • A steelman argument in favor of Bill 49 2022, the Early Years and Child Care Worker Advisory Commission Act, could be as follows: The establishment of an Early Years and Child Care Worker Advisory Commission is a necessary step towards addressing the challenges faced by the early years and child care workforce in Ontario. By creating a dedicated commission composed of representatives from various groups, including workers, organizations, unions, and experts, the government is ensuring that the voices and perspectives of those directly involved in the sector are heard and considered. One of the key functions of the Commission is to develop recommendations on how to support the early years and child care workforce and address staffing shortages. This includes exploring options such as increased wages, a salary scale based on skill and experience, and minimum work standards including benefits, sick leave, and time for planning and professional development. By involving the Commission in these discussions, the government can gain valuable insights and expertise to inform policy decisions and improve the overall working conditions and compensation for early years and child care workers. Furthermore, the Act emphasizes the importance of representation by ensuring that the Black community, Indigenous community, and other racialized communities are included in the Commission's membership. This commitment to diversity and inclusion is crucial in addressing systemic barriers and ensuring that the needs and perspectives of all communities are taken into account. The Commission's recommendations will be published annually on a government website and shared with the Minister of Education, who will meet with the Commission to discuss each report. This level of transparency and accountability ensures that the government remains informed about the challenges faced by the early years and child care workforce and can take appropriate action based on the Commission's recommendations. In conclusion, the Early Years and Child Care Worker Advisory Commission Act is a positive step towards improving the early years and child care sector in Ontario. By establishing a dedicated commission and involving various stakeholders, the government can address staffing shortages, improve working conditions, and ensure that the voices of workers and communities are heard and considered in policy decisions.

SteelmanSpren Against

  • Steelman Argument Opposing Bill 49 2022: The establishment of the Early Years and Child Care Worker Advisory Commission, as outlined in Bill 49 2022, raises concerns from a right-wing anti-government perspective. While it is important to support the early years and child care workforce, this bill gives too much power to the government and undermines individual freedom and free-market principles. Firstly, the composition of the Commission, with members appointed by the Lieutenant Governor in Council, allows for potential political bias and interference. This could result in the Commission being stacked with individuals who align with the government's agenda, rather than representing the diverse perspectives and needs of the early years and child care workforce. Furthermore, the requirement to ensure representation from specific communities, such as the Black community, Indigenous community, and other racialized communities, may lead to tokenism and prioritization based on identity rather than merit. It is essential to focus on qualifications and expertise rather than solely on race or ethnicity when appointing members to such a Commission. The Commission's functions, particularly the development of recommendations on increased wages and a salary scale, interfere with the free market. Mandating increased compensation based on skill and experience level may discourage individual initiative and entrepreneurship. It is more effective to allow the market to determine wages based on supply and demand, as this encourages competition and innovation. Additionally, the imposition of minimum work standards, including minimum benefits, paid sick leave, and paid time for planning and professional development, places an undue burden on employers. These requirements may lead to increased costs for businesses, potentially resulting in job losses or reduced availability of child care services. It is crucial to strike a balance between worker protections and the viability of businesses. Lastly, the annual report published on a government website and the requirement for the Minister of Education to meet with the Commission annually further centralize power in the hands of the government. This level of government involvement can stifle innovation and limit the ability of the private sector to respond to the needs of the early years and child care workforce. In conclusion, while supporting the early years and child care workforce is important, Bill 49 2022 goes too far in giving power to the government and undermining individual freedom and free-market principles. A more balanced approach that respects the autonomy of businesses and individuals while addressing the needs of the workforce would be preferable.
First Reading
  • Nov. 28, 2022, noon
  • In Progress
  • Read