Position Statements

The Health Sciences Association of Alberta (HSAA) upholds a set of values based in social democracy, social justice and environmental justice. These values guide HSAA in taking positions on issues that arise on an ongoing basis. Our position statements align with our mission, vision, values and strategic plan.

HSAA is affiliated with the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE), the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) and its subordinate bodies – the Alberta Federation of Labour (AFL) and the various District Labour Councils across Alberta.

To learn more about the mission and strategic plan that guide HSAA, click here.

On this page you can review the web version of our position statements. A PDF file can also be downloaded.

Position Statement 3 - Child Care and Early Childhood Education

It is the position of HSAA that, quality, affordable, accessible, regulated universal childcare and early childhood education be available to all families.

Governments must commit adequate resources to comprehensive regulations and their enforcement.

Rationale:

Unions, by virtue of their role as social advocates, have a responsibility to influence and encourage the establishment of universal high quality, publicly funded, non-profit, accessible and inclusive childcare.

Early childhood education enhances children’s development and well-being and provides a foundation for life-long learning.

HSAA believes that children are society’s most valuable resource, and access to high quality care for all families leads to better and more equitable outcomes for children and society.

Childcare providers and early childhood educators should be well trained, with formal education. Providers and educators should receive terms and conditions of employment befitting the value of the services they provide.

Childcare should be available at work sites or at other convenient locations, with hours that reflect the needs of the families they serve.

Amended May 2016
Reviewed May 2018 Convention
Amended May 2021