Toronto, April 20, 2021 – Century Initiative welcomes the 2021 federal budget’s investments in measures to support the workforce of tomorrow, build the digital economy, strengthen Canada’s immigration system, and introduce a historic plan for a national early learning and child care system. While these ambitious measures are critical to Canada’s economic recovery and long-term prosperity, Century Initiative encourages the federal government to move quickly from promises to action. That includes collaborating with provinces, territories, Indigenous communities, rural communities, and cities.
“Canada is at a crossroads today, with our population growth sitting at its lowest rate in over 100 years due in part to Covid-19,” said Lisa Lalande, CEO, Century Initiative. “Actions we take now, including those outlined in Budget 2021, can enable a strong social and economic recovery from the pandemic, while also paving the way for the well-managed growth we need to enhance and sustain a higher quality of life for future generations of Canadians.”
Century Initiative has long advocated for investments in early learning and child-care, which will allow more women to enter or return to the work force, in addition to allowing more families to make the decision to have children. The organization’s recent National Scorecard on Canada’s Growth and Prosperity found that Canada is falling behind internationally on child-care and investment in children and families. Yesterday’s federal budget commitments represent a vital step forward for Canada.
“We welcome yesterday’s commitment of $30 billion over 5 years to build a national early learning and child-care system,” said Lalande. “It is good news for Canadian families and for Canada’s future, and we strongly encourage the federal government to move quickly on its important commitment.”
Century Initiative welcomes other new investments announced yesterday, many of which address issues identified in the recently published National Scorecard. These include, but are not limited to:
Learn more about Century Initiative
Find out more about the National Scorecard on Canada’s Growth and Prosperity
