Cooperative Agency - ONTARIO

[cfred]

Yes, it is a bit early for a complete breakdown. Everything is still at the conceptual stages now. Our meeting on Aug 20th is our first step in making sure we can even do this. The Ministry is interested in what we have to bring to the table, so that's a good sign. Agencies are also stepping into action and creating better plans....though they're still more expensive than what we're proposing. So far a what your fees would go to pay for; home inspections, workshops, licensing and all the admin that goes along with it, etc. The Cooperative will be, of course, non-profit.

While we would love to create a Cooperative that is tailored to each individual, the cost would be considerable and the logistics a major roadblock. I am speaking from my own viewpoint and based on many conversations with other providers regarding what they'd like to see in a Cooperative. Workshops and resources were definitely a big one. I cannot speak for everyone, but a great many of us want opportunities to enhance our skills and learn a few new ones. We want to keep up with best standards practices. Even for the provider who doesn't wish these things, $750-$1000 is really not a big price tag, particularly in comparison to other agency models. Of course the option to not affiliate is always there, as you know. But you do raise a valid point: If a province wide Cooperative was in place offering affordable licensing to ICPs, I'm sure that will factor into some families' selection of childcare. I can only speculate, but as a parent myself, I can see that being an issue.

You are correct. Mulcair is promising 1000 000 spaces across Canada for now. It's a reasonable assumption that, if he wins, that is a jumping off point. But I don't know. Even if that is it, those spaces will be coveted and clients will be quicker to leave should one open up. I don't really know how that will play out. We know Ontario can't afford UCC on its own (the Quebec system), but who knows how deep the federal pockets are.

I wish I could answer your questions more definitively. CICPO is currently setting up its Board of Directors for the Cooperative, on which I have just begun. I only took this role on last week, so am still learning as, like most others, I had no idea what was going on behind the scenes. It's a bit of a learning curve!

The survey isn't meant to commit anyone to anything. It's a conduit for information. All we want to know is whether providers are interested in a Cooperative - do you all think it's a good idea? Given the changing industry climate and the uncertainty, is this an option you would appreciate having in the future? It's important to think ahead to the 'what ifs' and beyond just today and the immediate future. Should Canada ever adopt a system like Sweden (as an example), would you value having an entity like ours in place? We need the information to back our numbers and research in our meeting on Aug 20th. An opportunity like this is unlikely to come along again.