In Canada, Who Bears Responsibility For Child Care?

Canada is a federation with 13 provinces and territories responsible for early learning and child care (ELCC). The Federal Secretariat on Early Learning and Child Care was announced in the 2020 Fall Economic Statement to build capacity within the government. The federal, provincial, and territorial ministers have agreed to a Multilateral Early Learning and Child Care Framework. In April 2021, the Hon. Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Finance, announced a historic $34B investment in child care, marking the most important policy.

In Ontario, child care providers must follow the rules set out in the Child Care and Early Years Act, 2014 (CCEYA) and its regulations. The federal government aims to reduce families’ burden by bringing fees for regulated child care. Primary responsibility for early learning, preschool, and child care rests with the 13 provincial and territorial governments. Access to child care is not considered a right for families or children, so finding and arranging child care is still mainly the parents’ responsibility.

Funding for child care in Ontario is shared between the provinces. The Government of Canada is investing in early learning and child care to help Canadian children get the best start in life. In most parts of the country, local governments have no formal responsibility for child care. Parent fees are generally paid for by parents, with some provinces/territories paying so.

The Ministry of Education is responsible for child care and for various ministries/departments responsible for education in Canada.

Is child care free in Canada?

As of 2022, the average Canadian parent pays $8, 146 annually for childcare for children aged 0 to 3, and $6, 880 annually for children aged 4 to 5. This is a concern for many Canadians, as high-quality, flexible, and affordable childcare is crucial for parents’ freedom to return to work and children becoming responsible members of society. Finding childcare in Canada may be particularly challenging for working parents without a network of family and friends. The best choice depends on the family’s needs, and specific regulations vary by province and territory.

Who is responsible for child care in Canada?

Under Canadian federalism, the 13 provinces and territories have the primary responsibility for early learning and child care (ELCC). The division of powers between federal and provincial governments was first established in the Constitution Act of 1867. Since 1984, there have been several unsuccessful attempts at establishing a national child care system. By 2019, about 60 children aged 0 to 5 years old participated in day care arrangements, with 52 in formal settings and 26 in informal settings. About 40 parents had difficulty finding childcare arrangements.

As of 2016, 30 of Canada’s child care operations were for-profit, including large single-owner corporate chains. Some federal, provincial, territorial, and municipal public funding of child care is limited to not-for-profit operations. In 2021, the federal government announced the creation of a national child-care system, with $30 billion over five years in federal funds to cut child-care fees to an average of $10 per day across Canada. All ten provinces and three territories have signed onto this program.

As governments work to create new child care centers by 2023 under the program, early childhood education workers are fleeing the profession in droves. Factors leading thousands to seek employment elsewhere include added stress, lack of appreciation for their work during the COVID-19 pandemic, and low wages in child care jobs that lack pensions, paid sick days, and other benefits.

How much does childcare cost in Canada?

A recently released Statistics Canada report indicates that the average monthly expenditure of Canadian parents on their primary full-time childcare arrangement in 2023 was $544, representing a decline from the $649 average observed in 2022. Nevertheless, the proportion of parents who reported difficulties in obtaining childcare services increased from 53% to 62%. The escalating cost of infant formula also exerts considerable pressure on new parents.

Who claims child care expenses in Canada?

The person with the lower net income (including zero income) generally must claim child care expenses. However, if your spouse or common-law partner has the higher net income and one of the conditions below apply, they can make the claim for child care expenses at line 21400.

The conditions for claiming child care expenses include being enrolled in an educational program offered by a secondary school, college, university, or other designated educational institution, being unable to care for children due to an impairment in physical or mental function, being confined for at least two weeks to a bed or wheelchair, being confined to a prison or similar institution for at least two weeks, or living separate and apart from your spouse or common-law partner at the end of the year and for at least 90 days due to a breakdown of your relationship, but reconciling before March 1 of the following year.

A claim is valid only if your spouse or common-law partner who had the higher income paid those child care expenses and the person with the lower income is a supporting person. If your net incomes are the same, you must agree on which one of you will claim the child care expenses.

Who is responsible for child welfare in Canada?

This section provides information on Canadian child welfare legislation and policy, highlighting that child welfare services are funded and legislated by provincial and territorial governments, with the exception of federally funded services for First Nations peoples living on reserves. An increasing number of First Nations are delivering child and family services in accordance with these laws.

How much does the Canadian government pay per child?

The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is a government benefit introduced in July 2016 to help families in Canada with the costs of raising children. It provides a monthly, tax-free payment to eligible parents with children under 18 years old, potentially including the Child Disability Benefit (CDB). The CCB is payable on top of any other child benefits offered at provincial or municipal level. Eligible families meet certain criteria, including meeting the following criteria:

1. Eligible child under 6 years old: $7, 437 per year ($619. 75 per month)
2. Eligible child aged 6-17 years old: $6, 275 per year ($522. 91 per month)
3. Eligible child aged 6-17 years old: $522. 91 per month
4. Eligible child aged 16-17 years old: $522. 91 per month

Who gets child care benefit in Canada?

In the event that a child does not reside with the parent or parents on a permanent basis, it may be necessary to consider the possibility of sharing custody. This encompasses individuals who are Canadian citizens, permanent residents, protected persons, temporary residents with a valid permit in the 19th month, or individuals registered under the Indian Act. The child in question must have resided in Canada for a minimum of 18 months and possess a valid permit in the 19th month.

How does child care work in Canada?

Non-base fees are optional services charged by Child Care Programs, which are not supported under CWELCC. Refundable deposits or those applied to last weeks/months of care do not have to reflect CWELCC reductions. These deposits will be applied towards last weeks/months fees and families will receive the CWELCC benefit at that time. If you have questions or concerns about the fee, please speak to the program and ask for details about the frozen fee and reduction.

If you continue to have concerns, contact the Toronto Children’s Services District Consultant assigned to the child care program. For example, if the frozen daily fee was $100 on March 27, 2022, families should be informed of the increase.

What are the requirements for childcare in Canada?

Early childhood educators require a two- to four-year college program or a bachelor’s degree in child development, licensing in Ontario and certification in British Columbia. If you’re visiting Job Bank from outside Canada, you may not be eligible for all jobs due to lack of legal authorization. To find jobs from employers recruiting outside Canada, visit Job Bank’s page for foreign candidates and review your options.