What Happened
The Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario announced a four-year extension of the Canada–Ontario Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement.
Under the extension, Ontario will receive nearly $12 billion in federal funding over the next four years, from March 31, 2027, to March 31, 2031.
As part of this extension, Ontario is committing to maintain current child care fees at $19 per day on average until June 30, 2027.
Over the next year, the governments of Canada and Ontario will work together to maintain affordable fees and establish a sustainable path forward for child care across the province. This work will include negotiations about Ontario's share of the $5.4 billion over two years announced by the Government of Canada in June 2026 to help provinces and territories maintain stable and affordable child care fees for families.
What the Official Text Says
> Through the extension, Ontario will receive nearly $12 billion in federal funding over the next four years, from March 31, 2027, to March 31, 2031. As part of this extension, Ontario is committing to maintain current child care fees at $19 per day on average until June 30, 2027.
Who Is Affected
The extension affects families in Ontario with young children, including those currently using or waiting for child care spaces.
According to the official page, as of January 1, 2025, the Government of Ontario capped eligible child care fees at a maximum of $22 per day for providers enrolled in the Canada-wide ELCC system, bringing the average for such fees down to $19 per day.
The official page also states that collaborative work with provinces and territories has reduced the cost of regulated ELCC by at least 50% across the country.
Timeline
The extension covers the period from March 31, 2027, to March 31, 2031. Ontario's commitment to maintain child care fees at $19 per day on average applies until June 30, 2027.
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