Examines the income and time deficits facing Canadian families. Describes current government policy responses to these problems, and puts forward several proposals to help reduce these deficits and move toward increased investment in the welfare of Canadian children. (MDM)

This commentary focuses on the role of the Canadian federal government in early childhood development policy. The commentary begins by exploring the twin pillars of Canada's family policy, income support and services, then asserts that policy must move beyond these traditional provisions to offer early childhood development initiatives that will…