The Founders’ Network of the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, August 2002
Since the release of the Early Years Study (April 1999), we have been asked for our comments about the response of the Government of Ontario to the recommendations in the report.
It is now a little more than four years since we came together with the reference group to prepare the Early Years Study. Since then there have been a number of new developments in our understanding of the importance of early childhood and the effects on health, learning and behaviour in the later stages of development.
This report has been prepared by the co-chairs, Hon. Margaret McCain and J. Fraser Mustard with the help of the reference group. Jane Bertrand provided staff support. Doug Willms provided analysis of the National Longitudinal Survey of Children and Youth data.
We have discussed the new knowledge and developments and the failure of the Ontario government to adequately act on the recommendations of the Early Years Study. The contents of the report in respect to the new knowledge and the government’s response are the responsibility of the two co-chairs and Jane Bertrand.
This report is dedicated to all the people we met with in Ontario during the preparation of the Early Years Study and subsequently after the release of that study. Despite the response of the government, most have been trying to find ways to implement the key recommendations that are relevant to their communities.
The theme of this report is “From Early Child Development to Human Development: Enabling Communities”.
Access the report HERE
