Over the last two days, the OCBCC’s Board of Directors and Provincial Advisory Council met in Toronto to reflect, collaborate, and strategize.
We appointed a new Council and Board for the 2026-27 term. The OCBCC is governed by a Council and Board made up of members from across Ontario, representing provincial organizations, child care operators and local advocacy networks, and individual parents, educators, and allies.
Under the continued leadership of our Board President, Christa O’Connor RECE, the Council met to discuss the state of early learning and child care in Ontario, set priorities, provide strategic direction for our organization – and to reinvigorate our advocacy campaigns, membership supports, and vision.
Our urgent priority is the looming expiry of the Canada-Ontario child care agreement. We must push both the federal and provincial governments to secure a long-term deal that ensures affordable fees for families, decent work and pay for educators, and enough spaces for every family. As part of this effort, the OCBCC and our partners will be holding a rally at Queen’s Park on October 29th, 12pm – join us!
We also discussed the recent economic analysis that the OCBCC and AECEO commissioned from Dr. Jim Stanford. This report showed that child care is contributing over $13.6 Billion to the Ontario economy and generates approximately $2.25 Billion in extra provincial revenue through increased tax flows and economic activity. This report has been being used by our members in MPP meetings.
Read the Economic Benefits Report
On Wednesday we took time out of our meeting to join the Grassy Narrows 2026 River Run Rally to offer our solidarity with their calls for mercury justice. The families in Grassy Narrows have fought for years for justice. They deserve fair compensation for everyone affected by the mercury crisis, the resources needed to repair what has been damaged, and an end to further pollution and threats to their lands and waters.
Our Operations Coordinator, Kim McMinn, reported on the continued growth of the OCBCC’s benefits plan, which is now providing comprehensive health benefits to more that 3,350 RECEs, child care workers, and their families across Ontario.
Learn more about our Group Benefits Plan.
We also made final preparations for Child Care Worker and ECE Appreciation Day 2026 coming up on October 21st. Remember that October 1st is the last day to order buttons and posters.
Thank you to all our members who have engaged in our work over the last year. Members are the heart of our movement for better child care!