A robust body of research and policy analysis confirms the importance and bene- fits of a universal approach to child care that is affordable to all (not necessarily free), non-compulsory, available, appropriate and diverse enough to meet the varied needs of families. [...] The Canadian child care movement defines universal child care as being avail- able to all, affordable and inclusive, non-compulsory and not (necessarily) free.5 For example, the Child Care Advocacy Association of Canada (CCAAC) describes univer- sal child care as: “publicly-funded systems that entitle access for all. [...] Over the years, the Canadian child care community has recommended that child care services should be voluntary, i.e., that participation is at the parents’ discre- Child care for all of us: Universal child care for Canadians by 2020 6 tion. [...] The arguments in favour of a universal approach to early childhood education and care are based on the recognition that child care is a service with multiple goals. [...] Child care for all of us: Universal child care for Canadians by 2020 8 The need for child care is universal But access to child care is at least as much about parents’ labour force participa- tion and women’s equality as it is about child development.