An announcement in Oakville, Ontario reaffirmed the agreement to create high quality, affordable child care, made on June 12, 2017 by Federal-Provincial/Territorial Ministers Responsible for Early Learning and Child Care on a multilateral framework.
The Framework sets the foundation for governments to work towards a shared long-term vision where all children across Canada can experience the enriching environment of quality early learning and affordable child care. The Framework principles also include: accessibility, flexibility, and inclusivity of early learning and child care, with consideration for families that need child care the most.
Enhancing early learning and child care systems is one of the best investments our governments can make to support Canadian families.
The three-year bilateral agreement will allocate $435 million for Ontario investments towards increasing the accessibility and affordability of high-quality licensed child care and quality early learning opportunities. This includes investments in Ontario Early Years Child and Family Centres and the creation of Regional Centres of Excellence for professional development opportunities for the workforce. Also, it builds on Ontario’s commitment to help 100,000 more children, aged 0-4, access quality licensed child care over the next five years, and other work to support affordability through increased subsidies and community based funding. Annual public reporting will allow Canadians to track progress.
The agreement is another step to help ensure that Ontario’s children get the best start in life and is supported by long-term Federal investments announced in the 2016 and 2017 budgets, totalling $7.5 billion over 11 years. Ontario will spend $1.6 billion over the next five years to launch its historic commitment to create high quality affordable child care for all families who need it. The money is expected to help create 45,000 new spaces in schools, public buildings and workplaces by 2022.
Every child deserves an equal chance to succeed in life.
“Our partnership with the Government of Canada helps us build a strong, affordable, quality early years and child care system for Halton families,” said the Hon. MPP Naidoo-Harris. “When our children have the best possible start in life, we all benefit. This is an important investment in our future.”