Early child education and care has become increasingly topical in recent years, fueled by the Canada Wide Early Learning and Child Care agreements and the resulting demand for space. Economists and business leaders have recognized the critical importance of childcare, not just to secure a productive workforce, but to economic growth and development. Business leaders are now well embroiled in the narrative around childcare and increasingly our Chambers are being drawn into conversations.

Cathy Bennett has been immersed in these conversations for quite some time, provincially as well as nationally in her work with The Prosperity Project. She will discuss why this has become so topical and why Chambers need to be attuned to the issues, presenting dominant themes on how it impacts workers, employers, communities and economies. Discussion will center around the Chambers role in supporting their members and how best to respond to the challenges.