Since the release of the Early Years Study (April 1999), we have been
asked for our comments about the response of the Government of Ontario to
the recommendations in the report. It is now a little more than four years
since we came together with the reference group to prepare the Early Years
Study. Since then there have been a number of new developments in our
understanding of the importance of early childhood and the effects on
health, learning and behavior in the later stages of development.
This report has been prepared by the co-chairs, Hon. Margaret McCain and
J. Fraser Mustard with the help of the reference group. Jane Bertrand
provided staff support. Doug Willms provided analysis of the National
Longitudinal Survey of Children and Youth data. We have discussed the new
knowledge and developments and the failure of the Ontario government to
adequately act on the recommendations of the Early Years Study. The
contents of the report in respect to the new knowledge and the
government's response are the responsibility of the two co-chairs and Jane
Bertrand.
This report is dedicated to all the people we met with in Ontario during
the preparation of the Early Years Study and subsequently after the
release of that study. Despite the response of the government, most have
been trying to find ways to implement the key recommendations that are
relevant to their communities. The theme of this report is "From Early
Child Development to Human Development: Enabling Communities".
Hon. Margaret Norrie McCain
J. Fraser Mustard
August 2002
