Ottawa, Ontario – The federal government has reached agreements with 11 out of 13 provinces and territories to extend its universal $10-a-day child care program, ensuring that families across Canada continue to access affordable, high-quality child care. The announcement was made by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alongside Minister of Families, Children and Social Development Jenna Sudds.
Since the program’s introduction, 900,000 children have benefited from reduced fees, saving families up to $16,200 per child annually. The extension agreements come with a significant financial commitment—$36.8 billion in funding aimed at creating new child care spaces, reducing waitlists, and increasing the number of early childhood educators nationwide.
“Affordable child care is good for kids and parents, and it’s good for the economy as well,” said Trudeau. “Today’s announcement will make sure more families get access to affordable, high-quality child care with lower costs and more savings, and help kids get the best start in life.”
For decades, parents were told affordable child care wasn’t possible. We proved it was.
Now, 11 provinces and territories have signed on to keep the program going until 2031. pic.twitter.com/dVUETXkKE5
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) March 6, 2025
The agreements include a 3% annual increase in funding for four years beginning in 2027-28, ensuring federal contributions keep pace with rising child care costs. The investment is also part of the government’s broader commitment to establishing 250,000 child care spaces by March 2026.
A significant portion of the funding will be allocated to Indigenous early learning and child care sites, supporting 35,000 affordable spaces across nearly 1,000 locations. More than 10 new centres will be created in Métis communities, with additional centres planned over the next two years. The initiative will also enhance child care access for military families on bases across Canada, ensuring Canadian Armed Forces members receive consistent child care support throughout relocations and deployments.
In addition to child care, the federal government emphasized its broader commitment to affordability, highlighting investments in housing, job creation, and economic growth. According to government estimates, every dollar invested in child care generates $2.80 in economic returns, underscoring its value for both families and the economy.
With child care fees previously likened to a second rent or mortgage payment, the $10-a-day program aims to alleviate financial strain on young families, particularly benefiting mothers who have often faced difficult career choices due to high child care costs.
As Canada continues to expand its early learning initiatives, the federal government remains committed to making child care more accessible, ensuring families can thrive while contributing to the country’s economic growth.
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