Every effort was made to ensure the accuracy of the data provided in this publication and to use the same terminology and categories across provinces/territories whenever possible. This was not always possible, however, due to the use of different terminologies, categories and data collection methods. In some cases, information which is consistent by date or definition was not available; where this occurs, dates and definitions are provided or noted in the text.

METHOD

The data were assembled from a number of sources including existing Canada-wide sources (which are described below) and from each provincial/territorial government as well as community resources.

The method used to collect data from each province/territory followed a series of steps. First, a written questionnaire was sent to each provincial/territorial child care office, followed by a telephone interview with an official from each jurisdiction to assemble initial data for each province/territory. A draft of the material was then compiled and each jurisdiction was telephoned again with specific questions to update or clarify data and to provide additional comments. Further follow-up was done throughout the editing stage to ensure that the information is as accurate as possible. However, information that is consistent across Canada may not be available.

DATA SOURCES

Provincial context

Number of children 0-12 years   These data were derived from figures provided by Statistics Canada, Labour Force Survey (Special Tabulation).

Children 0-12 years with mothers in the paid labour force    These data were derived from figures provided by Statistics Canada, Labour Force Survey (Special Tabulation).

Children 0-14 years identifying with an Aboriginal group    Statistics Canada. 1996 Census of Canada. Aboriginal data. Dimensions Series; Catalogue No. 94F0011XCB, Ottawa, ON.

For the 1996 Census, either a long or a short version of a standard questionnaire was distributed to all households across Canada. The long questionnaire included a question about the respondent’s ethnic origins and another which asked if the respondent was registered under the Indian Act of Canada. The long questionnaire was distributed to all households on reserves and settlements and to approximately 20% of the remaining households in Canada.

Children 0-14 with disabilities residing at home    Statistics Canada. (1992). Health and activity limitation survey. Back-up tables – Provinces and territories. 1991 Census of Canada, Table 3.

Statistics Canada defines a disability as “restriction or lack (resulting from impairment) of ability to perform an activity in the manner or within the range considered normal for a human being” (The Daily, October 13, 1992). The same publication notes that among children with disabilities, 10% have a disability in the moderate to severe range.
Information on children under 15 was obtained from a parent or guardian. Statistics Canada does not include data for the Yukon and Northwest Territories because it considered the sampling error too high. Please note that these data are the most recent detailed and comparable data available on this topic.

Workforce participation of mothers by age of youngest child    Statistics Canada. Labour force historical review. Statistics Canada; # 71F0004XCB

These figures include employed and unemployed women by age of child. These two categories are considered to be in the labour force. These figures do not include women who are not in the paid labour force (e.g. students or individuals enrolled in a training program, or other guardians responsible for children).

Family-related leave    Labour Canada. (1999). Family-related and other leaves. [Online] at labour.hrdc.drhc.gc.ca/policy/leg/e/stan10-el.html

The federal government through Employment Insurance pays portions of maternity and parental leave. Eligible workers may receive payment for 15 weeks of maternity leave and 10 weeks of parental leave (shared between the parents or used by one parent) at 55% of wages up to a ceiling. Adoptive parents are entitled only to parental leave benefits.

Number of births    Statistics Canada. The Daily. June 16th, 1999.

Initial maternity leave claims allowed    Statistics Canada. Special tabulation based on Employment Insurance claims.

Average percentage of centre revenue from fee subsidies    Goelman, H., Doherty, G., Tougas, J., LaGrange, A., & Lero, D.S. (1998). You bet I care! (working papers). [Online] at http://www.childcarecanada.org/research/inprogress/you%20bet.html. Final report - Expected publication date March, 2000, Centre for Families, Work and Well-being, University of Guelph.

Average percentage of centre revenue from government grants
Goelman, H., Doherty, G., Tougas, J., LaGrange, A., & Lero, D.S. (1998). You bet I care! (working papers). [Online] at http://www.childcarecanada.org/research/inprogress/you%20bet.html. Final report - Expected publication date March, 2000, Centre for Families, Work and Well-being, University of Guelph

Salaries    Goelman, H., Doherty, G., Tougas, J., LaGrange, A., & Lero, D.S. (1998). You bet I care! (working papers). [Online] at http://www.childcarecanada.org/research/inprogress/you%20bet.html. Final report - Expected publication date March, 2000, Centre for Families, Work and Well-being, University of Guelph

Fees    Goelman, H., Doherty, G., Tougas, J., LaGrange, A., & Lero, D.S. (1998). You bet I care! (working papers). [Online] at http://www.childcarecanada.org/research/inprogress/you%20bet.html. Final report - Expected publication date March, 2000, Centre for Families, Work and Well-being, University of Guelph

Related services - Kindergarten enrollment and annual expenditures per student    Statistics Canada. (1998). Education in Canada. Catalogue # 81-229-XPB. Tables 6 (pg. 38-39) and 61 (pg. 180-181).

Related services - Community Action Programs for Children (Health Canada)    [Online] at http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/capc/

Related services - Aboriginal Head Start (Health Canada)
Figures provided by Aboriginal Head Start.