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“Despite the best efforts of her parents, there was a lack of independent information available regarding prior incidents of concern with her child care provider,” Hawkes wrote.

“Had that information been available they would have made a different choice regarding child care.”

According to the province, Alberta has some 130,000 licensed and approved child care spaces, with more than 97,000 children enrolled on either part-time or full-time basis. The province does not maintain any estimates on private, unlicensed providers, which can operate in a private home without being regulated provided they don’t surpass the legislated maximum of six children.

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Danielle Larivee, minister of children’s services, said parents shouldn’t have to worry about the safety of their children when they’re left in the care of professionals.

“My heart is with the family and friends of Mackenzy Jane Woolfsmith who continue to grieve her death. No family should have to suffer such a tragedy. When a parent leaves their child in someone else’s care, they should always feel confident that they will get the same love and attention as they would at home,” she said in a statement.

“I thank Judge Hawkes for his report. We will take the necessary time to review the recommendations.”

She added the NDP government’s ongoing investment in expanding $25-per-day child care spaces is aimed at ensuring parents have affordable and safe options for their children.

“We believe no Albertan should ever have to leave their kids in an unsafe situation because they have no other choice,” she said. “We will not stop fighting until every single parent has access to the safe and affordable childcare and supports they deserve.”

A full response to the report is required to be submitted to the justice ministry by May.

slogan@postmedia.com

On Twitter: @ShawnLogan403