TORONTO — Ontario’s landmark agreement with Ottawa to maintain a $10-a-day child-care program is set to expire in five months, leaving parents, child-care operators, and advocates anxious for answers as negotiations stall.
While most provinces have already secured extensions with the federal government, Ontario has only signed an agreement-in-principle. The current deal — which underpins affordable care for thousands of families — expires on March 31, 2026.
Education Minister Paul Calandra warned that unless a new funding framework is reached, Ontario faces a $2-billion annual shortfall, which could force daycare fees to rise sharply starting April 1.
“Parent fees are currently capped at $22 a day as a step toward the $10-a-day goal,” Calandra said. “But if the federal government doesn’t come to the table, we can’t sustain the system as it stands.”
The minister said Ottawa has yet to begin formal negotiations, despite repeated requests from the province.
For parents like Janet Amito, a single mother, the uncertainty is frightening. “If my child-care fees go up, I won’t be able to afford care — and that means I can’t work,” she said. “We’re counting on both governments to keep their promises.”
Advocates warn that without clarity soon, centres could face closures and families could lose access to affordable care — jeopardizing one of the most significant cost-of-living relief programs for working parents in Ontario.