Canadian child care policy has always been hotly debated. Currently, Canada is one of the few developed countries in the world that does not have a nationwide child care plan (Hurtig, 2002). Howe and Covell (2007) state that “Canada has failed to make progress toward a universal system of high-quality early learning and child care, or even toward creating widespread access to high-quality programs” ( p.47). According to Campaign 2000, early childhood education programs are an essential component of reducing poverty and giving children the “best start in life.” In addition to reducing poverty, early childhood education programs “strengthen the foundations of learning for all children, support the social needs of families, and promote equal opportunities for women in the labor market” (www.campaign2000.ca , 2010). Campaign 2000 continues to report that, although these early childhood education programs should be easily obtainable for all families in Canada, the current programs available in Canada reduce the real needs of Canadian families. Brief history: In 2003, Canada created the Multilateral Framework on Early Childhood Learning and Child Care. This agreement was put in place to improve access, quality, and affordability of child care nationwide. The agreement aimed to invest about $1 billion annually from 2003 to 2008 in early learning and child care. Nine provinces signed agreements with individual action plans on how funding would be divided (Howe & Covell, 2007). In 2006, when the Conservative government was elected, they rescinded the agreements established by the provinces indicating that many provinces had not devised an action plan... middle of paper... is behind in providing high quality child care, accessible and affordable nationwide. Hurtig (2002) encourages that “it is time we joined the many civilized countries that have one” (p.314). More state investment is needed to bring child care to a reasonable level. 2010 Works Cited Report Card on Child and Family Poverty in Canada: 1989-2010. Retrieved June 24, 2011, from: www.campaign 2000.caHowe, R.B. & Covell, K. (2007). Children's rights in Canada. A question of commitment. Waterloo, Ontario. Wilfrid Laurier University Press.Hurtig, M.(2002). The country that disappears. Is it too late to save Canada? Toronto. Canada. McClelland & Stewart Ltd. Hurtig, M. (1999). Pay the rent or feed the kids. The tragedy and shame of poverty in Canada. Toronto. Canada. McClelland & Stewart Ltd.