Dragonlady3, I fully understand why you would be confused

The ministry overlooked and encouraged play dates between caregivers in the Ottawa area for many years (I can't speak for other areas), but in the same breath they discouraged it in other areas such as Petawawa. As a provider that is new to the Ottawa area, one of the benefits was having play dates, and boy do I love them! Truthfully, in Petawawa a ministry rep from Ottawa would attend and lecture us during our caregiver meetings reminding us to NEVER have more than 5 kids on our premises excluding our own (or children over 10).

Yet, when I moved here, a whole world opened up because play dates were considered ok. I noticed the change or movement towards no play dates when the child who was in childcare drowned during a caregiver play date I really feel for everyone involved, it was truly a mistake / accident (I agree it that it shouldn't have happened), and from what I have heard and understood the caregiver was a good, kind, and compasionate caregiver. Due to this unfortunate situation, the ministry decided it was in the best interest of everyone for caregivers to not have play dates

Anyway, my point was, that yes, the 'no playdate' policy has always been there, just the ministry turned a 'blind eye' to it. Also, like many laws, it is up for interpretation and the discretion of those who enforce the laws / acts that we must follow.

It is up to parents and caregivers who want play dates to band together as one voice won't make changes but many will. I have a copy of a petition that can be signed, I would have to ask the CCPRN if we are allowed to make copies, but my parents and I have signed it and will submit it in hopes of making a difference.