Subject: Urgent Request for Adequate Funding for After-School Programs

Dear Minister Lumsden,

We are writing to express our deep concern regarding the current state of after-school programs in our community, and to request your urgent assistance in securing adequate and stable funding for these crucial services.

A 2019 report by Stats Canada identified roughly 35% of Canadian children aged 4 to 11 participate in before or after school non-parental child care. Before and after-school programs play a vital role in Ontario, providing essential services to our children and enabling parents to remain in the workforce. These programs serve as safe and enriching environments where our children receive academic support, engage in extracurricular activities, and develop important life skills. They also alleviate the burden on working parents, allowing them to focus on their jobs with peace of mind, knowing their children are in a nurturing and educational setting.

However, after-school programs have been facing unprecedented challenges. Operating costs continue to increase, including space rental costs, higher staffing costs, necessary health and safety measures – these have all placed significant financial strain on these programs. In addition,alternate funding services through school boards and community fundraising have been significantly reduced or cut.

Consequently, post COVID, we have seen an alarming trend of after-school programs being forced to close their doors or increase fees which get passed on to parents, resulting in a significant financial strain on some working parents and leaving others no longer able to afford essential support. This leaves parents struggling to balance work and caregiving responsibilities.

The long-term consequences of the decline in after-school programs are deeply concerning.

In light of these challenges, we are imploring you to review the current funding model and allocate additional funding to support our local after-school programs. Adequate financial assistance will not only help these programs continue their invaluable services but will also ensure that our children have access to a safe and nurturing environment. Furthermore, it will enable parents to remain in the workforce, contributing to your government’s priority of economic stability and growth.

We kindly request your immediate attention to this matter and your commitment to securing the necessary funding to protect and strengthen our after-school programs. By investing in our children's future and supporting working families, we can build a more resilient and prosperous Ontario for years to come.

Thank you for your time and consideration. We look forward to your positive response and action on this critical issue.

Allison Venditti

Founder, Moms at Work

Katie German

Moms Together