The Green Party of Ontario will:
1. Make an unambiguous statement
regarding the value to society of family members who choose to care
for children by paying them for raising children for their first three
years. In a phased manner, begin the transfer of money earmarked for
daycare for under 3's directly to individual mothers.
2. The Green Party will utilize early childhood specialists to help
parents with their parenting where desired or needed.
3. Recognizing the solid evidence that breastfeeding is one of the most
effective prevention measures available we will provide public education
about the benefits of breastfeeding.
4. Until families are embedded in meaningful communities the Green Party
will mitigate the isolation experienced by parents raising small children
by ensuring that the network of locally administered and community -
run Parent/Child Family Resource Centres is available to all.
5. The Green Party will work to build meaningful communities - neighbourhoods
with community cohesion, trust, and a sense of belonging which, among
other benefits, will eliminate the isolation currently affecting parents
of young children.
6. Acknowledging the singular importance of a positive birthing experience
to parent and child The Green Party will facilitate easy access to doulas,
midwives and birthing centres.
7. The Green Party will implement extensive and intensive parenting
education for every boy and girl before he or she reaches an age when
conception is a possibility.
8. Create incentives to increase the number of part - time and work
- at - home jobs.
9. Educate parents and children about making healthier living choices
through improved prenatal classes, increased physical education in schools,
and greater collaboration between daycares and local parks and recreation
programs.
Approved May 27th 2006