ONTARIO-Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario, along with the Paul Calandra, Ontario’s Minister of Education, announced a one-year extension to the Canada–Ontario Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care (Canada-wide ELCC) Agreement, until March 31, 2027. The ministers also announced that future funding of $695 million would be instead provided by Canada to the province in 2026, to help maintain eligible child care fees at their current average of $19 per day until December 31, 2026.
“Affordable child care is an economic tool that helps Ontario grow. When parents can find good, reliable child care, they can work, train, or build a business. That helps families earn more and helps the whole province stay competitive. In Ontario, lower fees are saving families thousands of dollars and keeping more people in the workforce. We will keep working with partners to protect and expand these spaces so every child can learn, and every family can plan for a strong future.” said Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario.
In total, today’s announcement means that more than $3.9 billion in federal funding will be allocated to the Government of Ontario in 2026-27 to support continued access to high-quality, affordable, flexible and inclusive early learning and child care programs and services. This follows $11.5 billion allocated to the Government of Ontario, under all early learning and child care agreements and $28.5 billion in provincial investment in early years and child care (including full-day kindergarten) over the term of the initial Canada-wide ELCC Agreement (2021-22 to 2025-26).
“Families have shared with us just how impactful it has been for them to access affordable licensed early learning and child care, the fee reduction is not only supportive today but changing the future for all Canadians.” stated Kim Hiscott, Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Fleck Children’s Services
Building on this extension, the governments of Canada and Ontario will continue to work together towards long-term solutions for the Canada-wide ELCC Agreement, to support the continued implementation of the Canada-wide early learning and child care system beyond 2026.
