Welcome to the first issue of IMFC Review, the semi-annual policy publication of Canada’s newest think-tank, the Institute of Family and Marriage Canada (IMFC). Therearealwayssomeobviousquestionsthatarisewithanewinitiative like this. Let me try to answer some of those questions for you.
What is the IMFC? IMFC focuses on social policy research that affects marriage and family and, in turn, ensures that those research findings are widely available to Canadians.
Why marriage and family issues? The IMFC was created because governments too often overlook the impact public policy has on family life. Whether buying a new house, balancing family time with work demands, or simply choosing a video to rent, millions of Canadians base their big and small decisions on what is best for their family. Yet policy-makers usually focus on how individuals or large organizations are impacted by policy. At the IMFC, we want the family to be front and centre when public policy is being made.
What does the IMFC plan to do? Through a variety of research projects, publications, and events, the IMFC will focus on research and disseminating information. The IMFC Review and our website, imfcanada.org, will make these findings widely available to Canadians.
Who is behind the IMFC? IMFC is an initiative of Focus on the Family Canada. Focus on the Family Canada aims to support, strengthen and encourage Canadian families through education and resources. It is therefore natural for Focus on the Family Canada to bring forward research and policy innovations to help policy- makers address issues that impact marriages and families.
Check out our website at imfcanada.org to find out more about us or to read the IMFC Review in French. But before you do, please continue to read through this issue as we have brought together top-notch researchers and writers on a variety of topics but with a special emphasis on child care.
Over the next few months, we will announce staff appointments, release research reports, and hold special events-including our grand opening. In the meantime, we would love to hear your feedback. You can reach us by e-mail here.