Education Minister Paul Calandra issued the following statement after the federal government extended its Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care program:
“We are pleased the federal government has recognized the need to provide additional funding to address the shortfall in its Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care program.
“This funding will maintain current fees at an average of $19 a day for families, with maximum fees no higher than $22 per day, until June 30, 2027. This agreement represents progress and will provide greater stability for parents, children and the child care sector in the medium term.
“Ontario will continue to work collaboratively with the federal government as it determines the next steps necessary to sustain and deliver its child care program while providing certainty for parents, children and the child care sector over the long term.”
Between 2021-22 and 2026-27, Ontario is investing approximately $34.5 billion in child care and early years programs, including free, universal full-day kindergarten and $12.3 billion for child care programs and fee subsidies, wage enhancements, EarlyON Child and Family Centres, the CARE tax credit and other supports.
Under the extension of the federal program, child care fees for eligible children enrolled in CWELCC programs will remain at their current levels, capped at $22 or less per day, until at least June 30, 2027. Canada has committed to continuing to discuss program sustainability beyond June 2027 with Ontario to ensure families have long-term certainty and stability.
