ECELC survey answers.

The Edmonton Council for Early Learning and Care (ECELC) sent a survey to all candidates to inform voters on candidates’ stances on early learning and care in this municipal election. Here are my answers.

1. To what extent do you agree with the following statement? “All families who want it should have access to high-quality, affordable, accessible, and inclusive early learning and care.”

Strongly agree. There are many reasons families find themselves needing early learning and care. Every parent should be able to go to work or school knowing their child is having the best care possible.

2. How important do you believe it is for the city of Edmonton to have a policy that supports the development of high quality, affordable, accessible, and inclusive early learning and care?

Very important. Decisions made at the municipal level are the ones that will have the most direct effects on individual lives. There are many ways that Edmonton can support early learning and care in partnership with other stakeholders.

3. How important is it to include space for early learning and care centers in planning and zoning for neighborhood development?

Very important. It is much easier to incorporate those spaces from the onset instead of having to backtrack after the fact.

4. To what extent do you agree with the following statement? “The city government has a responsibility to ensure culturally safe and appropriate early learning and care.”

Strongly agree. If we want a city that is inclusive and unified all voices need to be heard and understood. The city plays a central role in that modeling. We need to lead by example.

5. In your role as a city councilor, how likely will you be to advocate within the city government for improved early learning and care?

Very willing. Being an immigrant and a mother of a child that needed those early learning resources, I understand firsthand all the challenges families face. Helping to make the process easier and more accessible to more families in need definitely is something I will advocate for.

6. In your role as a city councilor, how likely will you be to advocate to the school boards for improved early learning and care?

Very willing. City Council needs to form a partnership with the school boards, facilitating trust and bringing stakeholders together so that meaningful solutions can be achieved that will benefit Edmonton families.

7. In your role as a city councilor, how likely will you be to advocate the provincial government for improved early learning and care?

Very willing. The first thing I feel needs to happen is dialogue. Edmonton city council needs to foster a relationship of cooperation with the Ministry of Municipal Affairs. We need to build a partnership where both branches of government have a common purpose regardless of party lines. The bottom line is, If Edmonton prospers, our province will prosper.

8. In your role as a city councilor, how likely will you be to advocate the federal government for improved early learning and care?

Very willing. Edmonton needs to create a collaborative bridge with the Federal government.

9. To what extent do you agree with the following statement? “Early learning and care should be considered a necessary public service, much like K-12 education, for families who want it.”

Agree. Simon Sinek said, “When we get the environment right, humans will do remarkable things.” I believe the role of government is to create a city environment in which people feel safe and flourish. Early learning and care partially provide for those opportunities for so many families.

10. Please describe what roles, if any, the city government should have in early learning and care.

The city should be involved with all levels of government and the school boards in a collaborative manner. It should help facilitate solutions and offer resources available.

11. Please describe what you would do, if anything, to promote high-quality, affordable, accessible, and inclusive early learning and care in Edmonton in your capacity as an elected official.

I will promote a culture of collaboration between all government levels. I will also create opportunities to hear what our families’ needs are and how they feel the city can meet those. The solutions do not have to come from the city council but from the collaborative brainstorming of all stakeholders, including those that will use the service.