The views of one articulate and affluent banker, businessman, lawyer, or acolyte economist are heard in the corridors of political power before several thousand three year olds.*
While Canada debates its approach to early child development, other countries surpass us. Most policy makers and influencers acknowledge the problem, but sector protectionism conspires to block a consensus on how to pull together piecemeal and under-funded programs into a coherent and comprehensive system of child development and parenting programs.
Business is a powerful sector, with the capacity to influence government policy and public opinion. History has proven time and time again that shifts or changes in public policy dont usually take off until the business community rallies behind them.
Yet the sustainability of valued public programs, such as education and health, are dependant on healthy child development. It is therefore in the self-interest of these sectors to provide leadership promoting a comprehensive approach to early childhood development, and to co-operate in breaking down the barriers that stand in the way of a comprehensive systems approach.
