In a significant move to support families and young children, the Federal Government of Canada has announced the expansion of its $10-a-day child care initiative. This expansion is part of the government’s broader commitment to providing affordable, high-quality early learning and child care across Canada.
The $10-a-day child care program is designed to make child care more accessible and affordable for families. The initiative involves over $1 billion in loans and grants for non-profit and public child-care providers, managed by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. This funding aims to increase the number of child-care spaces and renovate existing facilities, ensuring that more families can benefit from affordable child care.
The legislation underpinning this initiative, Bill C-35, received Royal Assent on March 19, 2024. This bill enshrines the principles for federal investments in a Canada-wide early learning and child care system. It ensures long-term federal funding and establishes the National Advisory Council on Early Learning and Child Care, which will provide expert advice and address challenges in the sector.
Shafqat Ali highlighted the importance of this initiative for Canadian families. “Our government is dedicated to supporting families and ensuring that every child in Canada has the opportunity to thrive in a safe and nurturing environment. The expansion of the $10-a-day child care program is a testament to our commitment to building a stronger, more inclusive Canada,” said Ali.
Since its inception, the $10-a-day child care initiative has shown substantial benefits. Provinces and territories across Canada have committed to reducing child care fees by at least 50%, with many on track to meet the $10-a-day average cost by 2026. This reduction translates into significant savings for families, making child care more affordable and accessible.
Kamal Khera, MP for Brampton West, expressed her support for the initiative, stating, “This expansion will provide much-needed relief for working parents, ensuring their children receive high-quality care while they contribute to the workforce. It’s a win-win for families and our economy.”
Maninder Sidhu, MP for Brampton East, added, “Access to affordable child care is a fundamental right for all families. This program not only helps parents but also creates job opportunities in the child care sector, further strengthening our community.”
Ruby Sahota, MP for Brampton North, also voiced her support, emphasizing the long-term benefits of the program. “Investing in our children’s early years is one of the most important things we can do for their future. The $10-a-day child care program is a critical step in ensuring that all children have access to the quality care and education they deserve,” said Sahota.
The federal government has also introduced measures to support the early learning and child care workforce. This includes $10 million over two years for training initiatives and student loan forgiveness for graduates who choose to work in rural and remote communities. These steps are crucial for ensuring that child care providers are well-equipped and adequately compensated for their vital work.
Moreover, the new funding will help address the critical shortage of child-care spaces, which has been a significant barrier for many families. By increasing the number of available spaces and improving existing facilities, the government aims to make high-quality child care accessible to more Canadians.
The expansion of the $10-a-day child care initiative reflects the federal government’s commitment to supporting families and investing in the future of Canada’s children. With these new measures, the government hopes to continue building a robust, inclusive, and affordable child care system that benefits all Canadians.