Establishing a National System of Early Learning and Child Care in Light of Canada's Obligations Under NAFTA and the WTO

Steven Shrybman

November 2004

This legal opinion assesses the government's plan to establish a national child care program in light of Canada's international trade obligations. The opinion addresses the question of whether international trade rules limit the range of policy, funding and regulatory options governments may wish to adopt or abandon from time to time to ensure that early childhood education and childcare programs meet and remain responsive to the needs of Canadian children and families.