Hi Peacefulbird. You're right. Independent Childcare Providers (ICPs), are not represented at these meetings. We're working hard to gain a foothold, but man it's tough! We were able to get meetings with the Min of Ed and got one regulation changed, but I'll tell you, it took A LOT of work! There were 5-6 meetings which saw our executive committee members flying across the province to attend. And another several meetings including all the stakeholders. One of our execs is flying in from Ottawa for it as I type this. This is not to mention putting together a business plan, presentation, surveys, collection of data, cold calling, rallies, standing committee, press conferences, media interviews, personal expense, etc, etc, etc. For our group, when things are really rolling, it's a full time job on top of our full time jobs. We thought we were there, that we were being counted. To some extent, we are, but the licenced sector wants us gone. Period. They have the ear of the current government and, therefore, the media. The simple fact is that we'll have to fight hard, every step of the way, to gain recognition. We're gearing up again to campaign hard. The entire country is working toward a national framework...and we'd like our sector to be involved in that. We know the province could better utilize the money for those 100,000 spaces. We know that the $23,000,000 earmarked for 610 new spaces, though before the bill had even passed, we lost 690 ICPs...so they're replacing childcare spaces that ALREADY EXISTED and were self sustaining. But this isn't what the public sees. They see headlines and what the Liberals want them to see, but not what's really happening.

FYI, I don't mention all the work entailed for any pats on the back, but rather to illustrate the sheer volume of effort required for what feels like minimal forward movement. So you are absolutely correct; we have greater challenges ahead. But we've come a long way from nothing and I think we can do it. And I can say that sitting in those meetings watching agency reps roll their eyes at us, smirk and even laugh, at times tested my patience to the limit. Till the day I die, reminding them of their much higher infant mortality rate (Auditor General Report) was one of the most gratifying moments of my life. Knowing that we've rattled them enough to spy on us online was also quite satisfying. So I do think we're capable of great change, if we pull together. ICPs have already made it to Queen's Park

Of course, we're keeping in mind the upcoming election in 2 years. So the more data we can get now, the better. We need it. I've just put out a survey for providers and I'll post it here too, if you've not seen it yet. Let me say that just from the 300 responses we've had so far, the numbers are very compelling. Please share it with any providers you know. This is very important! I'll be getting another survey out for parents soon. I had hoped by the end of this week, but I think we want to align it with our website, which is almost ready...hopefully within a couple weeks. If you've not joined CICPO on FB, please do. Please pass on this survey to all providers and those who have had to close. I'm sorry to hear that your area is struggling with more competition. I doubt you're alone.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/35YDPN8