Committee review

[Rachael]

This isn't a new situation here in Canada. Reforms happen in all industries and the only input ever seems to come from the 'official' providers and the government and sometimes any unions which are involved. Fair - no, but having lived here for almost 14 years now, it's the only model I've ever seen.

The small business owner, the self-employed are NEVER considered in any reforms here unless they are part of a larger body which has a government relationship - in this case, day care agencies.

The only time I see anyone object to this common practice is when it's their own industry being affected and therefore when it has a direct impact on themselves. I have never once seen someone get involved in fighting change when they work in an unrelated field.

I'm not saying that's right - I'm saying it's how it seemingly has always worked in this Country and it's a practice which initially surprised me but no longer does. I think it's your outrage that bemuses me when this practice of excluding a large part of the providers is nothing new.

[cfred]

I think what it boils down to is that if one does nothing, one achieves nothing. Will we get anything that we want? Maybe....probably not. BUT, one important thing we've done in the process of this fight is shed light on it. Public awareness is critical in any cause and in that regard, we've done extremely well. CICPO is all over the news broadcasts, articles, radio shows, social media, etc, etc. We've brought a cause that, before our fight, no one really knew anything about, right to the forefront. In my opinion, the secrecy in which this has been put together is disgraceful. We've brought it to the forefront, educated thousands and given unity and a voice to providers all over the province. That in itself is fantastic! I've watched all the media go from flat out condemning us to now giving us balanced, fair and factual stories. Lucy Lopez had me in a gem of a blunder in my interview for CBC news...I really buggered it up. She didn't use the part to work against us......6 months ago, it would have been used for sure! In the end, it was a balanced piece, to my great relief. Even Lizzy herself changed her tune toward the end. She's still a heinous hag, BUT she heard us...loud and clear. We've even garnered the assistance of the Ombudsman himself, which is beyond cool! We have a little clout and the ear of the media (to some degree). Given that we just started up in July, that's quite remarkable. But the best part is that we're unified and striving toward one cause. I believe this will carry forward beyond this fight. Even if we don't win this battle, we've still won...if ya know what I mean. So yes, Rachael, change IS good! But I'll be damned if I'm going to be complacent. Nothing is gained with complacency.....too many great things come out of a good fight

[Wonderwiper]

I'm honestly really surprised about comments saying change is inevitable and that laws are changed without input all the time and no one cares. Just because it happens all the time doesn't make it ok.

Sure, things change all the time but that doesn't mean we should just bend over and take it.

CFred, Heidi, Kim, Veronica, Tracey and so many others can look in the mirror everyday with pride and know that they did their best for something they believed in with all their hearts, regardless of the outcome.