Unlearn16: Class is in Session

Episode: The One Where EVERY Student Gets Breakfast AND Lunch
Release Date: December 3, 2024
Host: Unlearn16
Guest: Jenna, Minister of Children, Family, Social Development

Introduction to the Guest and Topic

The episode kicks off with the host, Unlearn16, introducing Jenna, the Minister of Children, Family, Social Development. The initial interaction sets a candid and humorous tone as the host navigates Jenna's lengthy title, leading to an engaging start to the conversation.

[00:03] A: "Today I have a pretty incredible guest. All right? I have a liberal cabinet minister and I'm gonna try to get this right."

Discussion on National Early Learning and Child Care System

Jenna details the federal government's commitment to rolling out a national early learning and child care system aimed at providing daycare at $10 a day. She explains the funding mechanism, emphasizing the transfer of taxpayer money from the federal government to provincial authorities, which then disburse funds to childcare operators.

[01:33] B: "We're rolling out our national early learning and child care system. So $10 a day, daycare."

The host raises concerns about the feasibility of such subsidies, questioning how operational costs are covered. Jenna clarifies that the funds are managed through government transfers subject to provincial administration, ensuring that the initiative is sustainable.

[02:20] A: "How do you get something to $10 a day when we need to pay child care workers, we need to pay facilities...?"

[02:42] B: "Government transfers money to each and every province and territory under certain terms and conditions..."

Impact on Families and the Workforce

The conversation shifts to the tangible benefits for families, highlighting that the program effectively reduces childcare fees by approximately $8,000 to $9,000 annually per child. This significant reduction aids predominantly women in staying within the workforce, fostering career continuity and economic stability.

[05:08] B: "It's about transformational for parents. Like, it's about 8,000, almost $9,000 a year per child that they're saving."

The host underscores the program's role in enabling parents to maintain their careers without the burden of exorbitant childcare costs, framing it as a choice that empowers families.

National School Food Program

Jenna introduces the national school food program, a $1 billion initiative aimed at ensuring children across Canada have access to meals at school. She explains the framework, which emphasizes universal access, nutritional guidelines, and support for local food sources.

[08:31] B: "The amazing work that I'm getting to do right now is to roll out a school food program across the country."

The host probes the program's implementation, expressing curiosity about potential pushbacks from provinces. Jenna confidently states that the majority of provinces are on board, with Ontario's recent participation being a significant milestone.

[11:05] A: "It's remarkable."

[12:09] B: "Only Nova Scotia is currently in election mode, so we will begin to be able to engage further with those provinces as well."

Addressing Implementation Challenges and Provincial Jurisdiction

Acknowledging the complexity of provincial jurisdictions over education, Jenna explains that while the federal program sets overarching principles, the actual implementation varies across provinces. This approach respects provincial autonomy while striving for a unified national standard in child nutrition.

[14:43] A: "Education is a provincial jurisdiction. So constitutionally it is their job to handle education funds education."

[15:15] B: "We set forward kind of this overarching policy...it will look different in different parts of the country."

Tangible Benefits and Funding Breakdown

The discussion delves into the specifics of funding allocations, particularly in Ontario. Jenna outlines that the first-year investment of $18.5 million will provide 160,000 additional children with access to school meals, totaling approximately 9.6 million meals for the school year.

[24:45] A: "Yes."

[24:46] B: "We are sending them $18.5 million. That means 160,000 more children will receive food at school."

She highlights strict guidelines ensuring that 80% of the funds are allocated directly to food, with the remaining 20% covering transportation, staffing, and necessary accommodations.

[21:12] B: "80% of that needs to be strictly food."

Combining Social Programs for Greater Impact

Jenna emphasizes the cumulative effect of multiple social programs, such as the Canada Child Benefit, affordable childcare, and the new school food program, in lifting hundreds of thousands of children out of poverty.

[26:00] A: "How many kids do you think are living sort of at the poverty line or below in Ontario?"

[26:53] B: "This is where...the Canada Child Benefit...has helped us lift hundreds of thousands of kids out of poverty since we introduced this, this version of the Canada Child Benefit in 2016."

Addressing Critics and Taxation Concerns

The host challenges critics who argue against increased taxation by questioning the allocation of funds towards tax cuts instead of social programs. Jenna refutes these criticisms by highlighting the necessity of balanced taxation to sustain essential services.

[28:28] A: "What would you say to individuals who are constantly just talking about the reduction of income tax?"

[32:11] A: "Nothing's ever going to be perfect...when my neighbor falls, there goes my business."

[32:47] B: "You can't cut taxes and not cut spending. They have to go in hand in hand."

Personal Perspectives on Compassion and Community

Both the host and Jenna share personal anecdotes that underscore their commitment to fostering a compassionate and supportive society. Jenna reflects on her role as a mother, emphasizing the importance of social programs in creating a stable and caring community.

[30:54] B: "I love O Canada, but I also love the people that make Canada. It's about the people...a country of compassion."

The host echoes these sentiments, advocating for a society where basic needs are met to ensure overall economic and social stability.

[35:18] A: "When people say, 'joanna, do you love your country?' I say, I love the people that I'm surrounded by."

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with a reaffirmation of the government's dedication to supporting families and children through comprehensive social programs. The host and Jenna emphasize the long-term benefits of these initiatives in building a resilient and equitable society.

[37:42] B: "By giving kids the food that they need...it will lead to better education, better classroom results, better test scores."

[37:24] A: "So by giving kids the food that they need...better education, better classroom results..."

Key Takeaways

• National Childcare Initiative: Aiming for $10 a day daycare through federal subsidies, significantly reducing costs for families and supporting workforce participation.
• School Food Program: A $1 billion commitment to provide meals to children across Canada, enhancing their educational outcomes and overall well-being.
• Funding Mechanism: Federal funds are transferred to provinces with specific guidelines, ensuring tailored implementation respecting provincial jurisdictions.
• Social Impact: Comprehensive programs collectively reduce child poverty, support families, and contribute to a stable economy.
• Addressing Criticism: Advocacy for balanced taxation to sustain essential social services, countering arguments favoring tax cuts over social investment.
• Community Focus: Emphasis on compassion and support within communities as foundational to a thriving society.

Notable Quotes

• Jenna:

  "[02:42] Government transfers money to each and every province and territory under certain terms and conditions..."

• Host:

  "[28:28] What would you say to individuals who are constantly just talking about the reduction of income tax?"

• Jenna:

  "[32:47] You can't cut taxes and not cut spending. They have to go in hand in hand."

• Host:

  "[35:18] When people say, 'joanna, do you love your country?' I say, I love the people that I'm surrounded by."

This episode of Unlearn16: Class is in Session provides a comprehensive look into the federal government's initiatives aimed at supporting families and children through childcare subsidies and a national school food program. Through engaging dialogue and insightful discussions, both the host and the guest highlight the importance of these programs in fostering a compassionate and economically stable society.