Federal – Provincial Funding Agreement will Transform Child Care in Waterloo Region

Waterloo Region – Today, the Government of Ontario signed the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement, a landmark child care agreement that will improve the affordability of child care as part of the Government of Canada’s national child care program.  

The $13.2 billion child care deal is expected to have significant impacts on families in Waterloo Region by reducing child care fees to an average of $10 per day by September 2025. Beginning in May 2022 fees will be reduced by an average of 25 per cent retroactive to April 1, 2022, with an additional 25 per cent reduction by the end of 2022.

The announcement follows the recent launch of the Region's Early Years and Child Care (EYCC) System Plan, 2022 - 2026. The Plan was developed from research and engagement with over 3,000 parents and community partners. It is designed to strengthen the Region’s child care system by increasing access, affordability, quality, equity, responsiveness and removing systemic barriers.

The funding announced today will significantly bolster the implementation of the Region’s System Plan. In 2022, the Children’s Services total annual projected budget is $71 million. Of that total, approximately $63 million is provided by the Government of Ontario and the Government of Canada with approximately $8 million was provided by the Region of Waterloo.

Regional staff will continue to work closely with their provincial counterparts to finalize the plans. More details will be released over the coming weeks. 

 QUOTES

“We welcome the Government of Canada and Government of Ontario's announcement of signing the national child care plan. High-quality care that fosters early childhood learning and development is critical for children to thrive. This funding will be a game-changer for families in Waterloo Region providing greater affordability and access to child care. We look forward to working closely with the provincial government and our community partners to transform child care in our Region."

- Regional Chair Karen Redman

“This is a very exciting time for early years and child care programs. With the increased financial support from the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement, the Region, in collaboration with our community partners, will be able to meaningfully move forward on the strategic goals and actions in our 2022-2026 Early Years and Child Care Service System Plan to better serve children and families in Waterloo Region.”

-Barbara Cardow, Director Children’s Services, Region of Waterloo

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