HUMA Committee briefing binder: Appearance by the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development - May 9, 2024

Continue advancing the creation and sustainability of a Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care system – Progress 1

Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) Agreements were signed with all provinces and territories and include fee reduction commitments. The exceptions are Yukon and Quebec which were delivering regulated child care for $10-a-day or less prior to the creation of the Canada-wide ELCC system's creation.

As of April 1, 2024, 8 PTs-Quebec, Yukon, Nunavut, Newfoundland and Labrador, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Prince Edward Island, and Northwest Territories-are delivering regulated child care for an average parent fee of $10-a-day or less.

All other provinces and territories have reduced fees for regulated child care by at least 50%.

As of April 1, 2024, provinces and territories have announced plans to create over 101,000 new child care spaces under the Canada-wide agreements. This has been compiled from publicly available sources. The actual number of spaces created will be verified as part of the annual reporting process outlined in the Canada-wide Agreements.

Agreements with provinces and territories (except Quebec) all contain commitments to support qualified ECEs in the workforce, such as wage grids for educators and initiatives to increase the percentage of certified.

The negotiation of 2023-2024 to 2025-2026 Canada-wide action plans for each province and territory (except Quebec and Ontario) is underway. Action plans have been finalized and announced for Nunavut, Manitoba, Nova Scotia and Northwest Territories. Other action plans have been approved but not yet announced due to the Budget 2024 communications blackout.

Ontario's first action plan covered 2023-2024. Negotiations on the action plan with Ontario will begin soon.

Quebec's asymmetrical agreement does not require an action plan.

Continue advancing the creation and sustainability of a Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care system – Next steps 2

Implementation Committees with provinces (except Quebec) and territories continue to meet to discuss progress to date on implementation of the Canada-wide ELCC Agreements.

Each October, provinces and territories are required to report annually on progress toward shared goals.

Budget 2024 committed $179.4 million over 5 years, starting in 2024-2025, with $5.7 million ongoing, to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation to launch a Child Care Expansion Loan Program, which will provide low-cost loans and non-repayable contributions to public and not-for-profit child care providers to build more child care spaces and renovate existing child care centres.

Budget 2024 also proposes to reallocate up to $41.5 million over 4 years, starting in 2024-2025, and up to $15 million ongoing from within ESDC to establish a new capacity building program to help care providers apply for funding through the Child Care Expansion Loan program, and to support Early Learning and Child Care research initiatives.

Finally, Budget 2024 committed $10 million over two years, starting in 2024-2025, to increase training for early childhood educators via Canada's Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program.

Advance work with provinces and territories to reduce fees for families for before and after school care – Progress 1

On October 14, 2022, the 2022 Survey on Before-and-After-School Care in Canada was released, providing a snapshot of before-and after-school care services and use across the country.

Advance work with provinces and territories to reduce fees for families for before and after school care – Next steps 2

Work continues with provinces and territories to explore options to support them in reducing before-and-after-school care fees alongside existing Canada-wide ELCC investments, including through research and the monitoring of results of the current bilateral agreements.

Work with Indigenous partners to ensure that Indigenous children have access to a culturally appropriate Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care system that meets the needs of Indigenous families wherever they live, including creating 3,300 new child care spaces – Progress 1

Implementation is underway with Indigenous and federal delivery partners and with provinces and territories to ensure that children have access to culturally appropriate Indigenous ELCC programs and services that meet the needs of Indigenous families wherever they live.

Co-developed annual plans identifying priority areas of investment continue to be implemented on a rolling basis and are guiding investments in Indigenous ELCC programs and services that are reaching over 35,000 Indigenous children. Early priorities include enhancing operating funding at ELCC centres, which supports training and retaining a skilled workforce and curriculum development to enable high-quality, culturally relevant Indigenous ELCC programming in a variety of settings.

Funding to support before- and after-school programming is being delivered through Indigenous Services Canada's Elementary and Secondary Education Program.

Discussions continue to advance among willing provincial and territorial governments, Indigenous governments and partners to identify shared priorities in the development of a Canada-wide ELCC system.

Engagement is underway with Indigenous governments to identify Infrastructure priorities, with funding from Budget 2021. Following a re-reprofile in Budget 2023, the funding for new IELCC infrastructure investments is now $441 million over four years (2023-2024 to 2026-27) and $21.63M ongoing, with a 3% annual escalator applying as of 2027-2028 to support a growing Indigenous ELCC sector. These investments will help improve access to high quality, culturally appropriate ELCC programming for Indigenous children and families, and demonstrate progress towards the creation of 3,300 new spaces.

Departments have funded over 500 proposals for repairs and renovations for existing federally funded daycares and Head Start centres between 2022-2023 and 2024-2025.

A new call for proposals for quality improvement projects was closed on April 14, 2023. Details are expected to be shared publicly in early 2024.

Work with Indigenous partners to ensure that Indigenous children have access to a culturally appropriate Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care system that meets the needs of Indigenous families wherever they live, including creating 3,300 new child care spaces – Next steps 2

Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) will:

• Continue to work with Indigenous partners to advance the co-developed goals of the Indigenous ELCC Framework and establish a Canada-wide ELCC system that meets the needs of Indigenous children wherever they live.
• Continue to advance Indigenous-led priorities, including: expanding the availability and accessibility of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis-specific programming; building human resources capacity and retaining a valued workforce; and promoting best practices to improve Indigenous ELCC through Quality Improvement Project funding.
• Continue to support Indigenous ELCC National and Regional Partnership Tables and modern treaty and self-governing entities to advance decision-making processes and progress against Indigenous-led workplans and priorities.
• Continue to support co-development activities and enable participation alongside provinces and territories in building an ELCC system that includes Indigenous children.
• Continue making repairs and renovations to existing federally funded daycares and Head Start centres into spring 2024, with a focus on health and safety improvements and advancing needs assessments.
• Continue to work with First Nations, Inuit and Métis partners to co-develop new distinctions-based ELCC results frameworks. These results frameworks will allow for defining shared outcomes and measuring results of new IELCC investments, such as the creation of new spaces.

Advance the implementation of the Community Services Recovery Fund (CSRF) - Progress 1

After concluding a public solicited Call for Proposals, three organizations-the Canadian Red Cross, Community Foundations of Canada and United Way Centraide Canada-were selected to act as National Funders to redistribute funds to charities and non-profits. Contribution agreements were signed with the National Funders in early November, and they were publicly announced on November 22, 2022.

On February 6, 2023, ESDC finalized the Canada-Quebec agreement outlining the terms and conditions under which the program will be implemented in Quebec, and obtained the M-30 exemption for Quebec based Community Service Organizations applying for CSRF funding.

On June 30, 2023, the National Funders provided a complete list of funded Community Services Recovery Fund projects to ESDC, and the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development announced the funding and number of projects in August 2023.

Advance the implementation of the Community Services Recovery Fund (CSRF) – Next steps 2

Community service organizations will implement funded projects by June 30, 2024.

National Funders are expected to provide their final reports in fall 2024, and a summative evaluation is expected to be completed by March 2025.

Deliver Canada's Poverty Reduction Strategy – Progress 1

The 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 reports of the National Advisory Council on Poverty were tabled in Parliament.

The Poverty Reduction Strategy sets a goal of a 20 per cent reduction in poverty by 2020, and a 50 per cent reduction in poverty by 2030, relative to 2015 levels. The 2030 goal is aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals on poverty (SDG 1 - No Poverty). Canada has met its interim target of reducing poverty by 20 per cent by 2020, relative to 2015 levels.

On April 26, 2024, results from the 2022 Canadian Income Survey were released, including poverty rates. Results from the 2022 Canadian Income Survey show that the overall poverty rate in Canada, as measured by Canada's Official Poverty Line, was 9.9 per cent in 2022, up from 7.4% in 2021.

The 2022 rate represents a 32 per cent decrease in the overall poverty rate compared to 2015 (14.5 per cent), the baseline year for Canada's legislated poverty reduction targets. There were close to 1.3 million fewer people living in poverty in 2022 compared to 2015.

The increase in the overall poverty rate between 2020 and 2022 reflects the end of pandemic-related income supports, as well as the significant increase in inflation experienced since 2021. Approximately 1 million more Canadians were living in poverty in 2022 compared to 2021.

Monitoring continues on a number of trends in the economy and government policy changes that may impact poverty rates, including the impact of increases in the cost of living.

Deliver Canada's Poverty Reduction Strategy – Next steps 2

The next progress report of the National Advisory Council on Poverty will be presented to Minister Sudds in September 2024. It will then be tabled in each House of Parliament within each House's first 15 sitting days.

Continue leading implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development adopted by the United Nations – Progress 1

In July 2022, Canada's 2021 Annual Report on progress related to the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) was released, and Minister Gould led Canada's delegation to the United Nations Forum on Sustainable Development.

In December 2022, the Canada.ca 2030 Agenda webpage was updated to inform Canadians of the federal government's work to advance the 2030 Agenda and its SDGs.

In July 2023, Canada submitted the second Voluntary National Review (VNR) to the UN at the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development, which highlights Canada's progress, lessons learned and challenges in implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the 17 SDGs at home and abroad since Canada's first VNR in 2018.  The Minister of Families, Children and Social Development led the Canadian Delegation to HLPF, delivered Canada's National Statement and presented key results from Canada's second VNR.

The SDGs Funding Program Call for Proposals was launched in November 2023, with the objective of funding projects that localize, measure and report progress on the SDG at the community level, increasing public awareness of the SDGs, particularly among equity-deserving or vulnerable population groups. This resulted in over 1,000 applications.

A refreshed approach to the Annual Report process has been developed. New iterations of the report will be written in plain language to speak to Canadians and will focus on the SDGs under review at HLPF for that year. Canada's second Annual Report was drafted to showcase progress on the 2030 Agenda to Canadians from a whole-of-society approach and a whole-of-government perspective. The report is expected to be published in June 2024 ahead of United Nations High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) on SDGs.

Continue leading implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development adopted by the United Nations – Next steps 2

ESDC will continue to collaborate with Departments to identify opportunities to better align processes for implementing sustainable development.

ESDC is collaborating with the Privy Council Office and Global Affairs Canada in supporting the Prime Minister's role as the co-chair of the SDG Advocates Group of the UN to ensure consistency in Canada's SDG narrative and in identifying engagement opportunities for the Prime Minister.

The Department is aiming to have decisions from the open SDGs Funding Program Call for Proposals by summer 2024.

Signaled Canada's interest to present a third Voluntary National Review in 2027, through Canada's Ambassador to the UN.

ESDC has collaborated with Statistics Canada on the strategic review of the Canadian Indicator Framework for Agenda 2030. Outcomes of the review will be published in summer 2024.

Supported by the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-food Canada, develop a National School Food Policy and work toward a national school nutritious meal program – Progress 1

Since 2022, meetings have taken place with stakeholders and experts (i.e., national and regional service providers, school boards and administrators, nutrition experts, academics, parents, and municipalities), Indigenous partners, as well as with representatives from provinces and territories.

An online questionnaire was launched in fall 2022 to seek the views of all Canadians on a National School Food Policy. The questionnaire garnered over 5,200 responses from parents, teachers, school administrators, service delivery providers, and interested organizations.

Over the summer of 2023, 3 school food engagement sessions with children and youth took place in order to gather their insights and perspectives to support the development of a National School Food Policy.

A ‘What We Heard' report was released on October 31, 2023, summarizing the views and perspectives gathered through initial engagement with stakeholders, children and Canadians on a National School Food Policy.

Supported by the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-food Canada, develop a National School Food Policy and work toward a national school nutritious meal program – Next steps 2

In Budget 2024, the federal government committed to an investment of $1 billion over 5 years for a new National School Food Program. The Program will help provinces, territories, and Indigenous partners expand their existing school food programs to make sure more children across the country can enjoy the healthy meals they need.

This includes investments for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities as well as Self-Governing and Modern Treaty partners, many of whom have some of the highest rates of food insecurity in Canada; and, investments will also support capacity building and engagement with Indigenous partners to co-develop culturally appropriate solutions. These partnerships will aim to tackle food insecurity by advancing Indigenous-led solutions and will further the Government's work on reconciliation.

The federal government will be engaging with its provincial and territorial partners to sign bilateral agreements that will provide them with funding to support expanded and improved school food programming. Engagement will take place with Indigenous governments to detail the additional funding being delivered for Indigenous school food programming, for First Nations elementary and secondary students on-reserve and in all First Nations, Metis and Inuit Modern Treaty Holders and Self-agreement holders.

Further engagement is being sought with First Nations, Inuit and Métis partners to gauge interest, perspectives and needs with regard to a National School Food Policy.

Supported by the Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Youth, ensure the voices and needs of children are represented in the Government's agenda – Progress 1

ESDC has been working with Women and Gender Equality Canada, as well as with other federal departments on how best to advance efforts related to children and youth.

ESDC and several federal departments participated in an engagement session with youth facilitated by the Canadian Coalition for the Rights of Children. Discussions focused on how to improve the process for Canada's implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and priority areas for greater implementation of children's rights in Canada.

Existing initiatives are being used to better incorporate the voices and needs of children. For example:

• For the development of a National School Food Policy, three engagement sessions were held with children in June 2023. These sessions sought to understand children's experiences, needs and interests and to incorporate these into the policy and program design;
• ESDC supported the department of Canadian Heritage in their work to advance Online Harms policy, funding, and legislative authority by ensuring the needs of children are incorporated in these pieces;
• ESDC has been supporting the department of Justice to share their newly launched Child Rights Impact Assessment (CRIA) tool and training that launched on July 11, 2023, by raising awareness about the CRIA;
• As part of ESDC's departmental research plan, the department is undertaking a literature review to examine existing child wellbeing frameworks and what lessons could be drawn if applied to the Canadian context in order to inform a potential child well-being framework in Canada;
• ESDC is supporting work from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) on child well-being by funding an OECD project looking at the economic costs of socio-economic disadvantage in childhood and by encouraging the OECD to include child well-being on its work agenda.

Supported by the Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Youth, ensure the voices and needs of children are represented in the Government's agenda – Next steps 2

ESDC will continue working with Women and Gender Equality and Youth and other federal departments to identify, engage in and support children-focused activities and initiatives across the GoC.

ESDC will continue to support Canadian Heritage in their work to advance an Online Harms policy and legislation.

ESDC will continue to support the department of Justice by sharing and raising awareness of their new Child Impact Assessment (CRIA) tool and training.

Supporting the Minister of Mental Health and Additions and the Associate Minister of Health, ensure mental health supports are accessible to children and youth as they recover from the impact of the pandemic – Progress 1

Through the Health Portfolio, the Government of Canada funded a number of projects following Budget 2021 that promote mental health in populations disproportionately affected by COVID, including children and youth.

The Government of Canada is making significant investments to expand the availability of Integrated Youth Services (IYS), which are "one-stop shops" of integrated supports in the community for youth aged 12-25, including mental health and substance use services. Examples include:

• Funding for IYS projects and for development of a pan-Canadian network of IYS researchers, service providers, decision makers, and youth, as well as a national data framework and infrastructure, which will help ensure evidence-based service delivery;
• Through the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, investments in research to examine existing standards, and inform best practices and guidelines, through a Learning Health Systems approach;
• Through Health Canada's partnership with the Standards Council of Canada (SCC), developed a Guidance Document intended to support new or existing IYS hubs in designing, planning, delivering, and expanding IYS across Canada; and,
• Grants and contributions funding to community-based organizations that support the mental health and well-being of children and youth. This funding includes the Health Care Policy and Strategies Program to improve access to mental health care, as well as the Mental Health Promotion Innovation Fund to support innovative, community-based programming to advance mental health promotion among young Canadians and their families.

Through Budget 2023, the Government of Canada invested $158.4 million over three years to support the implementation and operation of the 9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline.

9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline went live on November 30, 2023, providing suicide prevention support to people across Canada via phone calls and text, 24/7/365, in English and French.

The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health is leading the initiative and has recruited 39 provincial and local crisis and distress lines to the 9-8-8 network.

In many parts of the country, people under the age of 18 who call 9-8-8 have the option to connect with specialized support for youth, including through Kids Help Phone.

Budget 2023 confirmed that the government will provide $25B over 10 years for shared health priorities through tailored bilateral agreements to support provincial and territorial needs and circumstances in four priority areas including mental health and substance use. Bilateral agreements have been signed with all provinces and territories, including action plans that describe how they will use federal funds, performance targets, and the commitment to report annually on progress. This funding could be leveraged/allocated to support child and youth mental health, including expansion of IYS sites, perinatal mental health, and post-secondary students and institutions.

This builds on Budget 2017 investments to provinces and territories, which include $5 billion over 10 years to improve access to mental health and addiction services in priority areas that target children and youth, people with complex health needs, and community mental health care and culturally safe interventions.

Supporting the Minister of Mental Health and Additions and the Associate Minister of Health, ensure mental health supports are accessible to children and youth as they recover from the impact of the pandemic – Next steps 2

ESDC will continue working with Women and Gender Equality and Youth and Health Canada, Mental Health and Addictions on options to support the mental health of children and youth.

Budget 2024 committed $500 million over 5 years, starting in 2024-2025, for the creation of a Youth Mental Health Fund, which will help community mental health organizations across the country provide more access to mental health care for younger Canadians.

Advance implementation of the Community Services Recovery Fund

Reduce fees for regulated child care by 50 per cent on average by the end of 2022 everywhere outside of Quebec

Advance the Social Innovation and Social Finance Strategy, including fully implementing the Social Finance Fund and launching the Social Innovation Advisory Council

Introduce federal child care legislation to strengthen and protect a high-quality Canada-wide child care system

Establish a National Advisory Council on Early Learning and Child Care

Conclude negotiations and implement agreements for a Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care system

Work with Indigenous partners to support before and after school care for First Nations children on reserve

Ensure the Federal Secretariat on Early Learning and Child Care is fully resourced and operational by early 2023

Are contracting amounts reasonable?

ESDC awarded contracts to these consulting companies for high-level advisory services, specialized technical skills, as well as business intelligence. ESDC sought guidance on decreasing implementation risks, achieving sustainable results and bringing rapid performance improvements to the department for transformation projects including the Benefits Delivery Modernization (BDM) programme, a multi-year, multi-phase modernization to our benefits delivery systems.

Additionally, the pandemic saw an increase in ESDC's need for consultant services to support the increased delivery of benefits and other services rendered directly to Canadian citizens during exceptional times. ESDC acquired the services of resources with application maintenance skills that were not part of the core skillset of internal employees. In some instances, supplier resources and skillsets were retained to transfer knowledge to employees, thereby increasing the benefits obtained from the contract by increasing the public service's skillset and maturing the department's capabilities in the realm of Information Management (IM) and Information Technology (IT) solutions. Furthermore, ESDC major initiatives (i.e., BDM) also leveraged vendors with extensive global experience in executing large-scale business transformations and engaged external firms for independent third-party assessments.

Trend over past years

• Fiscal years 2015-16 to 2018-19 remained relatively stable in contract values for the suppliers listed in the question, with a slight increase of 13% between 2017-18 and 2018-19.
• Fiscal Year 2019-20 had a 100% increase over the previous year, this can be attributed to an increase in awards geared towards the design phase of the BDM programme, with several contracts awarded to Deloitte and PricewaterhouseCoopers for support with programme and technical analysts, software architects, and project management.
• Fiscal Year 2020-21 had a 192% increase over the previous year. Consideration should be given to the unpredictable effect of the pandemic on departmental contracting activities, which saw a marked increase in ESDC's need for external consultant services to support the delivery of programmes, benefits, and services to Canadians in the face of the rapidly changing public health landscape. 44% of the total value for 2020-21 consultant services are COVID-19 related contracts.
• Fiscal Year 2021-22 had a 44% decrease over the previous year.
• Fiscal Year 2022-23 had a 235% increase over the previous year, which can be attributed to an increase in awards geared towards the BDM Programme, which saw a major multi-year contract awarded to Deloitte to support ESDC through the modernization of Old Age Security (OAS) benefits delivery.

Percentage (%) of the Department's total budget

What is the rationale for hiring consultants?

Consultants provide a flexible and rapid deployment of resources with specialized skills and expertise to support ESDC's operational requirements and internal systems, specifically providing guidance for the department's transformation efforts, and to help ensure ESDC programs and services are delivered efficiently, effectively, and prudently. The contracts awarded to the aforementioned consulting companies (see question 1) provided resources with specialized skills and expertise to support ESDC operational requirements and internal systems, such as the Job Bank, Employment Insurance (EI), Old Age Security (OAS), Canada Student Loans and Grants, and 1-800-O-Canada.

Does hiring consultants amount to using "replacement workers" instead of public servants?

ESDC retained the services of consultants where it was deemed that no employee was available, or that certain skillsets or specialized knowledge were lacking. Some contracts were awarded to supplement ESDC's in-house capacity to manage large projects for the department, specifically during the development and deployment of programmes related to social services and support required during the early stages of the pandemic, which saw an unprecedented and unpredictable increase in demand for services for Canadians. The department continues to ensure that contracts include a knowledge-transfer component or plans for sustained management of solutions to be less reliant on consultants as we move from the building and implementation stages to the management of solutions.

What is the difference between contracts with companies that have global expertise and "staff augmentation" companies?

At times, ESDC engages with major multinational firms (Accenture, PwC, Deloitte, KPMG, etc.) to support large-scale transformations and implementations. These contracts provide ESDC with access to comprehensive skill sets essential for navigating the complexities of modernization projects across all phases. Leveraging the extensive expertise of these firms ensures that ESDC's initiatives are equipped with the necessary resources and capabilities to achieve success.

Additionally, ESDC collaborates with "staff augmentation" companies when consultants with specific skill sets or experiences are required to complement the capabilities of internal public servants. These contracts are typically awarded using Public Services and Procurement Canada's (PSPC) methods of supply for professional services, ensuring a streamlined and transparent procurement process.

By strategically leveraging the strengths of both large multinational firms and consulting companies with specialized skillsets, ESDC can effectively address diverse project requirements while optimizing resource allocation and fostering innovation.

How does ESDC ensure integrity of its contracting process?

ESDC follows all applicable policies, directives, laws, and trade agreements, in all its procurement activities. Notably, ESDC, conducts procurements inline with the key principles found in Treasury Board's Directive on the Management of Procurement, the Government Contracts Regulations (GCRs), and the guidance provided in PSPC's Supply Manual. Furthermore:

• Per the requirements outlined in the Guide to the Proactive Publication of Contracts, ESDC proactively discloses all contracts/amendments valued over $10,000.00, on a quarterly basis.
• The Procurement Review Committee (PRC) at ESDC provides ongoing procurement oversight to ensure that ESDC's contracting activities are carried out in accordance with the applicable legislation, policies, and procedures, while considering national and departmental priorities. The PRC provides oversight of high-risk procurement activities for the department and provides a challenge function aimed at upholding the principles of fairness, openness, transparency, and sound contract management.
• ESDC utilizes Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) mandatory government-wide vehicles for its professional services contracts. PSPC is developing new processes for its methods of supply for professional services requirements for all GoC departments. ESDC is updating internal processes and working with PSPC to ensure conformity.

Investigations by PSPC found that 3 subcontractors for professional services undertook contract work across 36 Government of Canada departments and agencies. These individuals fraudulently billed the Government of Canada by an estimated $5 million by billing multiple organizations for the same period under multiple separate contracts. Is ESDC one of those 36 Departments?

Yes. The contracts in question are:

• Contract no. 2000126 with Eagle Professional Services;
• Contract no. 2000160 (G9292-201781/001/ZM) with IPSS Cyber Solutions; and
• Contract no. 2000065 (G9321-130001-010-ZM) with Veritaaq Technology House.

Will ESDC recover overpayments under these contracts?

Yes, the restitution process is centralized and led by PSPC on behalf of all affected departments. PSPC has the authority to seek restitution from suppliers.

What does ESDC do to detect and prevent fraud?

ESDC performs integrity checks on suppliers and verifies the security clearance of resources, when applicable, and consults the Ineligible and suspended suppliers under the Ineligibility and Suspension Policy list maintained by PSPC prior to contract award. The department also relies on the Treasury Board's Directive on Delegation of Spending and Financial Authorities to ensure a scaffolded, risk-based approach by financial delegations in every step of the procurement process. Finally, ESDC's procurement operations are routinely audited and reviewed by the department's Internal Audit branch, which serves as an accountability measure as required in the Financial Administration Act.

If pressed on the Child Care Expansion Loan Program and support to not-for-profit

• The Child Care Expansion Loan Program will aim to provide up to $1 billion in low-cost loans and $60 million in non-repayable grants to support public and not-for-profit child care providers in constructing new facilities and spaces as well as renovating their existing child care centres. The proposed new capacity building program will help providers apply for funding through the Child Care Expansion Loan Program, and support Early Learning and Child Care research initiatives.
• The Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreements predominantly support not-for-profit, public, and family-based child care providers. Focusing on growth in this sector supports the sound use of public funds, ensuring that surplus earnings are reinvested in programs and services to allow for continued growth of higher-quality programs.
• Studies have shown that higher-quality programs and services tend to be offered in not-for-profit and public child care centers as compared to for profit centers.
• However, given the unique ELCClandscape across the country, the Government of Canada recognizes that licensed, for-profit child care will continue to play a role in the expansion of the $10-a-day child care system. The Government of Canada will continue to work with the provinces and territories to support the growth of quality child care spaces across the country, while ensuring that families in existing licensed spaces, including for-profit spaces, benefit from more affordable child care.

If pressed on Indigenous ELCC infrastructure investments

• Indigenous ELCC investments complement provincial andterritorial investments and form an integral part of a Canada-wide ELCC system to increase the availability of high-quality, culturally-appropriate and accessible programs and services to Indigenous peoples.
• Major infrastructure projects will help improve access to culturally-appropriate ELCC in underserved Indigenous communities. Investments can support new or replacement buildings, expanded seats at existing centres or other initiatives or partnerships that create new spaces or expand availability of programming to be inclusive of the diverse needs of families. Indigenous partners can also leverage their other IELCC funding streams to support infrastructure development under the Indigenous ELCC Initiative.
• Examples of recent progress in this regard include new Métis child care centres in Manitoba and Northwest Territories and new First Nations centres in British Columbia and Prince Edward Island.

If pressed on asymmetrical agreement with Quebec

Infrastructure funding will be provided to the province of Quebec through an asymmetrical agreement that will allow the province to fund additional services for families, consistent with the Canada and Quebec 2021 to 2026 Asymmetrical Agreement on the Canada-wide ELCC component.

If pressed on how many new spaces will be created through the ELCC Infrastructure Fund

The Government of Canada has committed to work with provinces and territories to create 250,000 new regulated child care spaces across the country by March 2026. The ELCC Infrastructure Fund will support greater inclusivity within the existing Canada-wide ELCC target.

If pressed on access in rural and remote locations

• The Government of Canada recognizes the extra challenges faced by families with children living in rural or remote locations, including limited access to child care services.
• During the study of Bill C-35 at the Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of persons with Disabilities (HUMA), additional language was added to the "inclusion" Principle (Clause 7[1] c) to highlight unique challenges in rural and remote communities.
• The Government of Canada is working with all provinces and territories to ensure increased access to high-quality, affordable, flexible, and inclusive child care for all children, no matter where they live. As the administration of ELCC is within provincial jurisdiction, provinces and territories have responsibilities over the development and implementation of expansion plans.

If pressed on sufficiency of infrastructure investments for Indigenous ELCC

• Budget 2021 provided ELCC infrastructure investments for both urgent repairs and renovations and major infrastructure investments to support Indigenous communities. It also built upon the 2020 Fall Economic Statement enhancements which made Budget 2017 investments permanent and ongoing (for example,. beyond 10 year profile) by including a 3% annual escalator to IELCC starting in 2027-28.
• Eligible activities will support increased access to culturally enriching and high-quality ELCC programs for underserved families and children. To achieve this goal, the program terms and conditions enable maximum flexibility. For example, investments could support replacement of facilities, pre-construction planning and the purchase and acquisition of buildings or land, where needed.
• This funding will begin to address capital needs related to ELCC and IELCC while distinctions-based community infrastructure plans are co-developed through a process led by Indigenous Services Canada.

Funding^{Footnote 1}

2021 to 2026 Canada-wide Agreement signed July 23, 2021. Original funding announced: $41.7M.

2021 to 2025 Extension Agreement signed August 12, 2021. Original funding announced: $10.2M and an additional $2.5M in one-time workforce funding in 2021 to 2022.

Affordability

Prior to the signing of the Canada-wide agreement, Yukon had already implemented a $10‑a‑day child care system in April 2021 under Yukon government's universal early learning and child care program.

Access

Yukon has committed to the creation of 110 spaces by 2025 to 2026.

Annual numbers related to spaces created will be finalized as part of the jurisdiction's requirement to provide Canada an annual report on results achieved.

Per Yukon's 2022 to 2023 annual progress report, Yukon created 201 new spaces in fiscal year 2022 to 2023.

Per the annual progress report in fiscal year 2021 to 2022, Yukon created 199 new spaces in fiscal year 2021 to 2022.

Quality

Implementation

The Yukon Canada-wide implementation committee has met twice, in July and November 2022, to discuss implementation actions to date and challenges with partners and stakeholders.

Funding

2021 to 2026 Canada-wide Agreement signed December 15, 2021. Original funding announced: $51.2M.

2021to 2025 Extension Agreement signed August 9, 2021. Original funding announced: $10.3M and $2.6M in one-time workforce funding in 2021 to 2022.

Affordability

In February 2024, it was announced that the Northwest Territories would achieve average of $10-a-day regulated child care on April 1, 2024 leading to savings of up to $9,120 a year per child in regulated ELCC.

In September 2023, Government of Northwest Territories redirected 2023 to 2024 Canada-wide funding toward a temporary emergency relief measure to support families, providers and ECEs affected by wildfire evacuations. For the month of September, Government of Northwest Territories offered 100% of the Child Care Fee Reduction subsidy, instead of the 60% that is currently covered by the federal envelope.

In February 2023, the Government of the Northwest Territories announced an increase in the Child Care Fee Reduction subsidy to providers, who will receive 60% of their average fees subsidized by the territory effective April 1. This follows the March 2022 announcement where the Northwest Territories reduced child care fees by 50%, retroactive to January 1, 2022 ahead of the December 2022 target.

In the same month the Government of the Northwest Territories announced that licensed programs will be able to increase their fees by 2% to 6%, depending on the total fee rates being charged by that program for infant and preschool spaces, and by a flat rate of $10 per month for out-of-school, effective April 1, 2023. This responds to public outcry from operators displeased with the 2.3% fee cap imposed on operators wishing to receive Canada-wide funding.

Access

The Northwest Territories have committed to the creation of 300 spaces by 2025 to 2026.

Annual numbers related to spaces created will be finalized as part of the jurisdiction's requirement to provide Canada an annual report on results achieved.

The Northwest Territories' 2022 to 2023 annual progress report is not yet completed.

Per its 2021 to 2022 annual progress report, the Northwest Territories have supported the creation of 70 new affordable licensed child care spaces during that fiscal year.

Quality

In May 2023, legislative and regulatory amendments to streamline funding, reduce administrative burdens for program operators come into force.

In spring 2023, the Government of the Northwest Territories undertook engagement with Indigenous partners and stakeholders on the development of a certification process and a What We Heard report was produced to address the fact that there is no certification process in the territory. The Northwest Territories have committed to increase ECE certification to 30% by 2025 to 2026 and 60% by 2030 to 2031.

In October 2022, the Government of the Northwest Territories and the Government of Canada announced a $4.6 million investment in wage enhancements for ECEs between 2022 to 2023 and 2023 to 2024 to support recruitment and retention of educators. The two-year transitional funding is intended to enhance wages for educators until the implementation of a wage grid in 2024 to 2025.

The Northwest Territories has also committed to increase opportunities for education and training, and professional learning opportunities.

Implementation

The first 2023 to 2024 implementation committee meeting with partners was held on October 4, 2023 with the Northwest Territories' Early Childhood Association (NWTECA) and was followed by the bilateral portion on October 11, 2023

Two Implementation Committee meetings took place in 2022 to 2023. In December 2022, the Northwest Territories held the first bilateral Implementation Committee. In February 2023, the territory held an engagement session with several day home operators. The Government of Canada was invited and this fulfilled the second Implementation Committee meeting with stakeholders and partners.

Funding

2021 to 2026 Canada-wide Agreement signed January 23, 2022. Original funding announced: $66.1M.

2021 to 2025 Extension Agreement signed August 13, 2021. Original funding announced: $10M and $2.8M in one-time workforce funding in 2021 to 2022.

Affordability

On January 24, 2023, the Government of Nunavut and Canada announced that since the implementation of the $10-a-day care, families in Nunavut could save up to $55 per day for each child in care, when compared to previous rates.

On November 17, 2022, the Governments of Nunavut and Canada announced that preschool-aged children at licensed child care centres and licensed home day cares would be able to access child care for $10-a-day as of December 1, 2022. Nunavut became the first jurisdiction to achieve the $10-a-day target under the Canada-wide system.

Access

Nunavut has committed to the creation of 238 spaces by 2025 to 2026.

Annual numbers related to spaces created will be finalized as part of the jurisdiction's requirement to provide Canada an annual report on results achieved.

Per its annual report for 2022 to 2023, Nunavut supported the creation of 26 new affordable licensed child care spaces during that year.

Per its annual report for 2021 to 2022, Nunavut supported the creation of 6 new affordable licensed child care spaces during that year.

Quality

Nunavut launched the ELCC Wage Scale Program on October 1, 2023 to replace their current recruitment and retention fund that provides wage enhancements for ECEs. The optional wage scale recommends a minimum wage of up to $34.39 per hour for ECEs and includes minimum wages for management, program support, and centre support staff.

Nunavut has also committed to support the expansion of a culturally relevant ELCC sector workforce through recruitment, retention, and additional training (including first aid) opportunities.

Additionally, in June 2023, Nunavut completed their ELCC Quality Framework through consultation with partners and stakeholders.

Implementation

In 2023 to 2024, the first implementation committee meeting was held on June 23, 2023, and included both a bilateral and a partners session with Nunavut Tunngavik Inc (NTI). The second Implementation Committee meeting was held on January 24, 2023, including the bilateral session and partners session with NTI.

In 2022 to 2023, the first Implementation Committee meeting (bilateral session) took place on May 16 and a second meeting with Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. , occurred on June 15, 2022. Another session with partners and stakeholders took place on December 6, 2022, and a subsequent bilateral session on December 15, 2022.

Funding

2021 to 2026 Canada-wide Agreement signed July 8, 2021. Original funding announced: $3.2B..

2021 to 2025 Extension Agreement signed August 12, 2021. Original funding announced: $272.3M and an additional $48.8M in one-time workforce funding in 2021 to 2022.

Affordability

On March 28, 2024, British Columbia announced that over 930 child care spaces were moving into the province's $10-a-day ChildCareBC program this spring, which will save families an average of $920 a month per child. These spaces mean the province has met, and exceeded its target of bringing the number of $10-a-day ChildCareBC spaces to 15,000 by this spring.

On February 9, 2024, British Columbia announced that more than 700 child care spaces move into the $10-a-day ChildCareBC program.

On January 31, 2023, British Columbia announced that an additional 725 child care spaces joined the $10-a-day ChildCareBC program in February 2023, bringing the number of spaces to more than 12,700 and helping families across the province save thousands of dollars per year.

On December 2, 2022, British Columbia announced that through a combination of child care fee reductions and the conversion of 10,500 spaces into $10-a-day spaces (increasing to 12,500 by early 2023), fees in the province were reduced by 50% on average.

Access

On March 28, British Columbia announced that the federal government has committed an additional $69.9 million over four years, with approximately $47.3 million provided in the first three years following the development of action plans through the Early Learning Child Care Infrastructure Fund to support non-profit, public or Indigenous-led organizations to build or maintain child care facilities, particularly in under-served communities.

British Columbia has committed to the creation of 30,000 spaces by 2025 to 2026.

Annual numbers related to spaces created will be finalized as part of the jurisdiction's requirement to provide Canada an annual report on results achieved.

As per British Columbia's 2022 to 2023 annual progress report, British Columbia supported the creation of 5,417 new spaces during that fiscal year.

As per British Columbia's 2021 to 2022 annual progress report, British Columbia supported the creation of 1,271 new spaces during that fiscal year.

Quality

British Columbia has committed to develop and implement a wage grid for ECEs. In December 2023, British Columbia began the roll-out of its pilot project to test the implementation of a wage grid at 53 child care centers.

In October 2023, British Columbia announced two initiatives that will be supported with Canada-wide funding, namely a $2 per hour expansion of the Early Childhood Educator Wage Enhancement and a new annual recognition grant of $2000 to$3000 for ECEs with specialized training.

In August 2023, British Columbia announced funding to support the translation of educational documents, such as school transcripts and course descriptions, into English to support certification.

In May 2023, British Columbia announced it was accelerating the expansion of early childhood education programs so more than 1,300 people will have the opportunity to access this education over the next three years, with public post-secondary spaces in British Columbia expected to increase by approximately 50%.

In April 2022, British Columbia announced the expansion of the provincially-funded $4 per hour wage enhancement to include all ECEs employed in ELCC facilities, including those in administrative roles and that are not directly working with children.

In February 2022, British Columbia announced ECE recruitment and retention initiatives, including bursaries, peer mentorship programs, inclusion support, etc.

Inclusion

On October 31, 2023, British Columbia announced $7.5 million in funding that will support the creation of a new child care centre which will provide inclusive and culturally relevant child care for 60 First Nations children in Prince Rupert.

On February 3, 2023, British Columbia announced additional investments in the Supported Child Development and Aboriginal Supported Child Development programs. An additional investment of $31.8 million provided through British Columbia's Canada-wide and bilateral extension agreements will ensure children with support needs are receiving inclusive child care, and that more child care providers will be trained to provide these services.

Implementation

In 2023, the first Implementation Committee meeting with partners and stakeholders was held on September 7, 2023 and the bilateral portion was held on November 24, 2023. British Columbia is also engaging with First Nations partners on First Nations-led child care and exploring options for tripartite collaboration. Similarly, British Columbia has been working with Métis partners to expand Indigenous-led child care.

In 2022, the first Implementation Committee meeting took place on July 8, 2022, and included both a bilateral, and a partners and stakeholders session. The second Implementation Committee meeting was held on October 4, 2022, and also included both a bilateral, and a partners and stakeholders session.

Funding

2021 to 2026 Canada-wide Agreement signed November 14, 2021. Original funding announced: $3.8B.

202 to 2025 Extension Agreement signed July 23, 2021. Original funding announced: $235M and $56M in one-time workforce funding in 2021 to 2022.

Affordability

Alberta achieved an average fee reduction of $15-a-day as of January 1, 2024, which was announced on March 15^th, 2024. Alberta families can now save up to $13,700 annually per child in regulated child care with the Affordability Grant and subsidy. As of September 2023, Alberta achieved an average fee reduction of 50% on January 1, 2022, as a result of affordability supports that were implemented. Families earning under $180,000 benefit from additional subsidies.

Access

Alberta has committed to the creation of 68,700 spaces by 2025 to 2026.

Per Alberta's Ministry of Children and Family Services report for 2022 to 2023, Alberta supported the creation of 9,584 net new licensed child carespaces between March 31, 2022, and March 31, 2023. Since November 2021, 13,655 affordable child care spaces are available.

Per Alberta's Ministry of Children and Family Services annual report for 2021 to 2022, Alberta supported the creation of 3,729 new affordable licensed child care spaces in that year.

Quality

Key Elements in the Agreements related to Early Childhood Educators:

Implementation

The Government of Canada supports and continues to engage with Alberta to better understand their needs and challenges in the implementation of the Canada-Alberta Canada-wide ELCC Agreement and its associated their cost control framework and ELCC funding formula. The cost control framework applies to both not-for-profit and for-profit operators to ensure the sound and reasonable use of public funds under the Canada-Alberta Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement. This allows for a total of 22,500 for-profit spaces to be created in addition to the 3,700 for-profit and 42,500 not-for-profit spaces previously committed to in the Canada-Alberta Canada-wide Agreement. This means Alberta has committed to creating 68,700 new child care spaces by March 2026.

Implementation Committee meetings with Alberta and stakeholders have taken place as follows:

• Meeting 1: June 27, 2022;
• Meeting 2: December 9, 2022; and,
• Meeting 3: September 28, 2023.

Funding

2021 to 2026 Canada-wide Agreement signed August 13, 2021. Original funding announced: $1.1B.

2021 to 2025 Extension Agreement signed August 13, 2021. Original funding announced: $68.5M and $17.2M in one-time workforce funding in 2021 to 2022.

Affordability

Saskatchewan achieved $10-a-day licensed child care under the Canada-wide system effective April 1, 2023.

Access

Saskatchewan has committed to the creation of 28,000 spaces by 2025 to 2026.

Annual numbers related to spaces created will be finalized as part of the jurisdiction's requirement to provide Canada an annual report on results achieved.

Per its annual report for 2021 to 2022, Saskatchewan supported the creation of 2,446 new child care spaces in that year.

Per its annual report for 2022 to 2023, Saskatchewan supported the creation of 2,771 new child care spaces in that year.

Quality

Saskatchewan has announced the following wage increases for ECEs

• $1 to $5 per hour (November 2021, September 2022 and September 2023);
• On September 29, 2023, Saskatchewan announced $7 million in funding that will provide ECEs with wage increases of $1.50 to $2.50 per hour depending on certification level effective October 1, 2023, in total, ECEs can receive up to $7.50 per hour in wage increases.

In addition, Saskatchewan has provided the following supports for the ELCC workforce: one-time grant to regulated and operational child care centres to assist them in recruiting and retaining qualified ECEs (March 2022); creation of three new Early Years Family Resource Centres in the communities of Lloydminster, Swift Current and Weyburn (March 2022); free training and tuition supports for the ELCC workforce through partnerships with Collège Mathieu, Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies (SIIT) and Saskatchewan Polytechnic (Sask Polytech) (August 2022); grant funding for preventative maintenance and repair of facilities and for the purchase of equipment and materials to encourage outdoor physical activity and winter play (January, 2023); and funding to increase access to training and professional development opportunities for ECEs (June 2023).

Inclusion

Grants to benefit families with vulnerable children and children experiencing disability (March 2022), additional inclusion grants to three Saskatchewan programs aimed at improving inclusion initiatives in child care (skills training specific to caring for children with medically complex needs under the age of six, two developmental consultant roles, and five child care facilitator positions in Early Years Family Resource Centres across the province) (May 2022); and specific supports for children who require intensive support to attend ELCC programs, supporting an additional 150 preschool-aged children for the 2022-23 school year (November 2022).

Implementation

The Canada-wide Implementation Committee has held three Implementation Committee meetings (June 13, 2022; October 25, 2022; May 24, 2023). Each featured over 25 stakeholders and feedback captured was very positive, particularly on the issues of affordability and increased wages for ECEs, but included concerns related to the ELCC workforce and the plans for rapid space expansion.

Funding

2021 to 2026 Canada-wide Agreement signed August 9, 2021. Original funding announced: $1.2B.

2021 to 2025 Extension Agreement signed February 22, 2022. Original funding announced: $78.8M, and $19.2M in one-time workforce funding in 2021 to 2022.

Affordability

Manitoba achieved $10-a-day child care effective April 2, 2023 for children age six and under in regulated care - three years ahead of the broader Canada-wide objective. Note that the inclusion of 6-year-olds is unique among all PTs, and reflects Manitoba's broader education system.

Access

Manitoba has committed to the creation of 23,000 spaces by 2025 to 2026.

Per its annual report for 2021 to 2022 (data as of March 31, 2022), Manitoba opened 447 new affordable licensed child care spaces during that fiscal year.

Per its annual report for 2022 to 2023 (data as of March 31, 2023), Manitoba opened 563 net new affordable licensed child care spaces during that fiscal year..

Per Manitoba's online dashboard, as of August 2023 Manitoba had committed funding for the creation of 8,226 child care spaces for children 0-6, of which 1,592 have opened.

Inclusion

On April 27, 2023, Manitoba announced funding to implement the Abecedarian approach at a centre, an evidence-based early childhood intervention that improves developmental and learning outcomes for children in high-risk communities. In 2023 to 2024 and 2024 to 2025, three additional child care programs will begin the implementation of the Abecedarian approach. Manitoba's 2023 to 2026 Canada-wide Action Plan includes dedicated funding toward partnerships with Indigenous governing bodies, inclusion workshops, and a diversity and inclusion services model.

Quality

Manitoba introduced a wage grid for educators based on level of training and experience retroactive to July 1, 2022, and updated effective July 2023. The province also announced tuition reimbursement for ECEs on October 27, 2022, and committed another $6 million in June 2023 to continue the successful ECE Tuition Reimbursement initiative until 2026.

Manitoba announced more than $30 million to create new opportunities for ECE education and professional development (June 2023); Manitoba announced one-time grant funding for three new quality enhancement grants: the Quality Early Learning and Environments Grant, the Innovative Recruitment and Retention Grant, and the Enhancing Diversity and Inclusion Grant (February 2023).

Implementation

Two Canada-wide implementation committee meetings have taken place (November 25, 2022, and June 15, 2023), meetings included feedback from members of Manitoba's Minister's Consultation Table, representatives from the Manitoba Child Care Association, a representative from Fédération des parents de la francophonie manitobaine, Manitoba's Child Care Parent Advisory Committee and Manitoba's Child Care Qualifications and Training Committee. Topics of discussion included: affordability, workforce, space creation and inclusion. Manitoba officials touched briefly on progress to date under each topic but focused primarily on work underway and next steps.

Funding

2021 to 2026 Canada-wide Agreement signed March 27, 2022. Original funding announced: $10.2B.^{Footnote 2}

2021 to 2025 Extension Agreement signed August 13, 2021. Original funding announced: $764.5M and $150M in one-time workforce funding in 2021 to 2022.

Affordability

As of December 31, 2022, child care fees at licensed child care operators that have enrolled in the Canada-wide ELCC system have been reduced by an average of 50% (compared to 2020 levels).

Access

Ontario has committed to the creation of 76,700 spaces by 2025 to 2026.

Annual numbers related to spaces created will be finalized as part of the jurisdiction's requirement to provide Canada an annual report on results achieved.

Quality

On November 16, 2023, Ontario released its Child Care Workforce Strategy. The strategy includes improvements in compensation for registered in the Canada-wide ELCC system, supports to promote entry into the profession, enhancements to opportunities for career advancement, and other measures to improve awareness of the value of the profession. Beginning in 2024, the wage floor will be increased as follows: registered early childhood educator (RECE): $23.86 per hour, Supervisors and Home Child Care Visitors: $24.86 per hour. RECEs making less than $26 per hour will also be eligible for the annual wage floor increase of $ per 1 hr. RECEs and other staff will be granted one paid professional development day a year.

On November 16, 2023, Ontario released its Child Care Workforce Strategy. The strategy includes improvements in compensation for registered in the Canada-wide ELCC system, supports to promote entry into the profession, enhancements to opportunities for career advancement, and other measures to improve awareness of the value of the profession. Beginning in 2024, the wage floor will be increased as follows: registered early childhood educator (RECE): $23.86 per hour, Supervisors and Home Child Care Visitors: $24.86 per hour. RECEs making less than $26 per hour will also be eligible for the annual wage floor increase of $ per 1 hr. RECEs and other staff will be granted one paid professional development day a year.

Implementation

The bilateral portion of the 2023 spring implementation committee meeting took place on May 23, 2023. It provided officials with the opportunity to discuss enrollment in the Canada-wide ELCC system, funding guidelines, space creation, workforce, and inclusion.

The stakeholder portions of the implementation committee took place on May 31 and June 1. Key remarks from stakeholders centered on the ELCC workforce.

The bilateral portion of the 2023 winter implementation committee meeting took place on December 5, 2023. It provided officials with the opportunity to discuss fee reductions, space creation targets, changes to how funding allocations are calculated, a new workforce strategy, the program review, and matters related to ELCC for Indigenous populations. The stakeholder portions of the fall implementation committee took place on December 11 and 12 and focused on Inclusion. Key remarks from stakeholders centered on the need for policies to address gaps, enhanced data on inclusion, and the importance of addressing workforce issues.

Ontario also undertook consultation sessions with the child care sector on access and inclusion priorities, the early years and child care workforce, Ontario's pedagogy for the early years and consulted on its new draft funding formula for 2024 and beyond. Ontario has shared that consultations for 2024 to 2025 have not yet begun.

Funding

2021 to 2026 Asymmetrical Agreement on the Canada-wide component signed August 5, 2021. Original funding announced: $6B.

2021 to 2025 Extension Agreement signed September 20, 2022. Total funding: $448M, and $90M in one-time workforce funding in 2021to 2022.

Implementation

Quebec has asymmetrical agreements on ELCC and is therefore not required to have an implementation committee.

Access

Quebec does not have a firm space commitment as part of Canada-wide ELCC, but the province states as a priority the creation of over 30,000 subsidized spaces.

As per the Canada-Quebec asymmetrical agreement, Quebec is not required to report annually on number of spaces created.

Funding

2021 to 2026 Canada-wide ELCC Agreement signed December 12, 2021. Original funding announced: $492M.

2021 to 2025 Extension Agreement signed August 13, 2021. Original funding announced: $48.1M and $9.3M in one-time workforce funding in 2021 to 2022.

Affordability

New Brunswick achieved a 50% average fee reduction on June 1, 2022, six months ahead of schedule, and implemented a standardized parent fee grid that sets the fees operators can charge parents. Their Parent Subsidy program has also been adapted to reflect the new low-fee model and will continue to support low- and middle-income families by further reducing out-of-pocket costs.

Access

On December 1, 2023, New Brunswick launched an open call for proposals that will allow the province to create the remainder of ELCC spaces to be created under its Canada-wide Agreement.

New Brunswick has committed to the creation of 3,400 spaces by 2025 to 2026.

Annual numbers related to spaces created will be finalized as part of the jurisdiction's requirement to provide Canada an annual report on results achieved.

Per its annual report for 2022 to 2023, New Brunswick supported the creation of 791 new affordable licensed child care spaces in that year.

Per its annual report for 2021 to 2022, New Brunswick supported the creation of 301 new affordable licensed child care spaces in that year.

Quality

On November 14, 2023, the Collège Communautaire du Nouveau-Brunswick (CCNB) announced that it now offers a new second year early childhood education program, which focuses on leadership and management of ELCC facilities.

On June 29, 2022, New Brunswick announced that inclusion support workers will receive an increase in hourly wages, matching their compensation with ECEs.

On November 1, 2022, New Brunswick implemented an ECE wage grid which operates as a wage floor; operators may choose to pay educators more than the amounts laid out in the grid. As of April 1, 2024, Level 1 ECE wages range from $22.79 per hour to $25.35 per hour, and Entry Level ECE wages range from $16.47 per hour to $18.54per hour.

Implementation

Two Canada-New Brunswick Canada-wide ELCC implementation committee meetings took place in 2022 (May 6, 2022, and December 9, 2022), as well as in 2023 to 2024 (June 9, 2023, and December 15, 2023). Discussions focused on progress towards achieving the objectives of the Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement, including affordability, access, quality, the Early Childhood Educator workforce, inclusion and diversity initiatives.

Funding

2021 to 2026 Canada-wide ELCC Agreement signed July 13, 2021. Original funding announced: $605M.

2021 to 2025 Extension Agreement signed July 9, 2021. Original funding announced: $58M and $10.9M in one-time workforce funding in 2021 to 2022.

Affordability

Nova Scotia achieved an average 50% reduction in child care fees on December 31, 2022.

Access

Nova Scotia has committed to the creation of 9,500 spaces by 2025 to 2026.

Annual numbers related to spaces created will be finalized as part of the jurisdiction's requirement to provide Canada an annual report on results achieved.

Per its annual report for 2022 to 2023, Nova Scotia supported the creation of 1,691 new affordable licensed child care spaces in that year.

Per its annual report for 2021 to 2022, Nova Scotia was unable to support the creation of affordable licensed child care spaces, however an Expression of Interest process was launched, and 45 funding agreements were put in place to expand ELCC spaces in centres, family homes, and before-and-after school care.

Quality

Nova Scotia more than doubled the daily funding amount for infant spaces to $10-a-day for both centres and family homes, as announced in February 2023. The new Advanced Practitioner Program was launched, and saw the first graduates in summer 2023, who will be receiving an hourly wage premium. On May 20, 2022, Nova Scotia launched the Minister's ELCC Engagement Table, to provide direct input and guidance on next steps in the province's plan to transform child care.

On October 11, 2022, a new wage scale for ECEs was announced, which included a wage increase in the range of 30% for most of the 2,600 ECEs, retroactive to July 4, 2022. ECEs received a 3% wage increase on April 1, 2023, and a further increase on April 1, 2024. Future raises will be in line with public sector wage increases. On December 20, 2023, Nova Scotia announced a pension and benefits plan for ELCC sector professionals; enrollment will begin in May.

Implementation

The first Canada-wide implementation committee meeting for the 2022 to 2023 fiscal year took place on June 14, 2022, and the second took place on November 30, 2022. The first meeting of the 2023 to 2024 fiscal year took place on June 15, June 19, and August 25, 2023, for the bilateral, English stakeholder and French stakeholder sessions respectively. The second bilateral and stakeholder meetings of the 2023 to 2024 fiscal year took place on October 31, 2023, and November 4, 2023, respectively. Discussions focused on progress towards achieving the objectives of the Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement, including: affordability, access, quality, the Early Childhood Educator workforce, and inclusion initiatives.

Not-For-Profit Transition: Nova Scotia intended to transform its entire ELCC sector to publicly delivered child care as part of the Canada-wide action plan. This transition was met with concerns from for-profit providers, who make up approximately 56 percent of providers. All existing child care operators were offered funding agreements for 2022 to 2023, 2023 to 2024 and 2024 to 2025, as in past years. Nova Scotia is now offering a voluntary transition program, for those operators that want to change their operating model and pursue expansion, or for closing centres so as to prevent the loss of spaces.

Funding

2021 to 2026 Canada-wide ELCC Agreement signed July 27, 2021. Original funding announced: $117.7M and $3.6M in one-time workforce funding in 2021-2022.

2021 to 2025 Extension Agreement signed August 12, 2021. Original funding announced: $16M.

Affordability

On December 15, 2023, Prince Edward Island announced that they would achieve $10-a-day child care fees in early years centres and licensed family home centres under the Canada-wide early learning and child care system, effective January 1, 2024, two years ahead of the national target.

On October 4, 2023, Prince Edward Island announced the province will be expanding three grants for family home child care centres: the Family Home Centre Capital Grant; Family Home Centre Operational Grant; and Family Home Centre Licensing Incentive.

On December 16, 2022, Prince Edward Island announced that they reached the shared goal of a 50% reduction in child care fees by implementing $20-a-day parent fees, combined with provincial subsidies to eligible families and the expansion of the publicly-funded pre-kindergarten program.

On February 4, 2022, and again on November 8, 2022, Prince Edward Island announced new financial support available for people who provide child care in their home and want to be licensed to operate as a family home centre.

Access

Prince Edward Island has committed to the creation of 452 spaces by 2025 to 2026.

Annual numbers related to spaces created will be finalized as part of the jurisdiction's requirement to provide Canada an annual report on results achieved.

Prince Edward Island's annual report for 2022 to 2023 is not yet finalized

Per its annual report for 2021 to 2022, Prince Edward Island supported the creation of 287 new affordable licensed child care spaces.

Quality

On January 10, 2024, Prince Edward Island announced updates to regulations allowing for increased enrollment, modernized titles for staff certification levels and added pathways to obtain certification, as well as changes to prevent delays in filling vacancies at centres.

On October 4, 2023, Prince Edward Island announced expansions to three grants for family home child care centres over the next two years, which will help to promote licensing, and improve the quality, affordability and accessibility of licensed home-based child care.

On August 21, 2023, Prince Edward Island announced wage increases for ECEs and staff at designated early years centres, effective October 1, 2023. Prince Edward Island also announced that the province will develop a defined contribution pension plan. On December 16, 2022, Prince Edward Island announced wage increases for staff at early years centres, including for ECEs, effective October 1, 2022.

On November 8, 2022, Prince Edward Island announced further support for licensed home child care centres in the form of grants and incentives to reduce parent fees, fund wages and professional development, and purchase supplies.

On February 18, 2022, Prince Edward Island launched a new one-time Return to the ECE Profession Grant of $5,000, to support the early childhood workforce and to help recruit ECEs back to the sector.

Implementation

The first Canada-wide implementation committee meeting for the 2022 to 2023 fiscal year took place on August 30, 2022, and the second took place on November 29, 2022. The first meeting of the 2023 to 2024 fiscal year took place on June 13, 2023, and the second meeting took place on December 18, 2023. Discussions focused on progress towards achieving the objectives of the Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement, including: affordability, access, quality, the early childhood educator workforce, and inclusion initiatives.

Funding

2021 to 2026 Canada-wide ELCC Agreement signed July 28, 2021. Original funding announced: $306M.

2021 to 2025Extension Agreement signed July 28, 2021. Original funding announced: $35M and $6.5M in one-time workforce funding in 2021 to 2022.

Affordability

Newfoundland and Labrador implemented $10-a-day for regulated child care effective January 1, 2023.

Access

To support the creation of regulated child care spaces, the province has expanded funding under the Child Care Capacity Initiative Program and the Family Child Care Capacity Initiative, and funding has also been expanded to Family and Child Care Connections to increase capacity for regulated child care providers caring for children in their own homes in all regions of the province.

Newfoundland and Labrador has committed to the creation of 5,895 spaces by 2025-2026.

Annual numbers related to spaces created will be finalized as part of the jurisdiction's requirement to provide Canada an annual report on results achieved.

Newfoundland's 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 Annual Reports are not completed.

Quality

On February 9, 2024, Newfoundland and Labrador announced that as of April 1, 2024, the minimum enrolment threshold will increase (from 70% enrolment to 90% enrolment) for regulated child care centres participating in the Operating Grant Program. Newfoundland and Labrador also announced a Rural and Remote Allowance (an additional 10 per cent of their operating grant funding) for regulated child care services in rural and remote areas of the province who participate in the Operating Grant Program.

On January 8, 2024, Newfoundland and Labrador released a report outlining a review of the Operating Grand Program for child care services in Newfoundland and Labrador.

On September 13, 2023, Newfoundland and Labrador announced an Early Childhood Educator Recruitment and Retention Grant to provide funding to recruit and retain level I to IV ECEs to become certified and work in regulated child care services.

On August 23, 2023, Newfoundland and Labrador announced that a bonus of $5,178 has been created, effective April 1, 2023, to support recruitment and retention of certified francophone ECEs.

As of August 15, 2022, Newfoundland and Labrador's Early Childhood Learning Framework (Navigating the Early Years) is a requirement in legislation.

Newfoundland and Labrador implemented an ECE wage grid on April 1, 2023, retroactive to January 1, 2023. The wage grid has a base rate of $25 an hour for Level Ⅱ ECEs who hold a two-year diploma, which is the starting rate for a new graduate.

On July 12, 2022, Newfoundland and Labrador announced a new Early Childhood Education Needs-Based Incentive Grant to provide eligible students in approved programs with non-repayable grants of up to $10,000.

Newfoundland and Labrador established an ELCC Minister's Advisory Committee in February 2022.

Implementation

The first Canada-wide implementation committee meeting for the 2022 to 2023 fiscal year took place on July 26, 2022, and the second took place on November 16, 2022. The first meeting of the 2023 to 2024 fiscal year took place on June 21, 2023. Discussions focused on progress towards achieving the objectives of the Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement, including: affordability, access, quality, the Early Childhood Educator workforce, and inclusion initiatives. The second bilateral and stakeholder meetings of the 2023 to 2024 fiscal year took place on December 11 and 12, 2023, respectively. Discussions focused on progress towards achieving the objectives of the Canada-wide Early Learning Child Care Agreement, including: access and inclusion initiatives.

Jurisdiction - British Columbia

• Quality Announcements
  • February 18, 2022: One-time $49.2 million investment in ECE workforce development (through bilateral workforce agreement)
  • April 1, 2022: $500,000 to expand ECE peer mentoring program from 17 to 35 community groups
  • April 6, 2022: Announced work with federal government to develop wage grid for ECEs
  • August 3, 2022: Summer intake of the ECE Education Support Fund
  • August 3, 2022: Roughly 2,600 bursaries of up to $5,000 per semester
  • August 4, 2022: Expansion of high school and post-secondary dual credit program; $1.15M federal funding
  • October 30, 2023: Wages raises by $2 per hour effective January 1, 2024 to recognize ECEs vital role in the Canada-wide ELCC system.
  • December 11, 2023: Pilot project testing higher salary grid to attract and retain workers. Wages are not known yet.
• Wage grids/floors
  • $28.00 median in 2024 following recent wage grants for eligible ECEs

Jurisdiction - Alberta

• Quality Announcements
  • August 3, 2022: $5.2 million for ECEs to access education on early childhood brain science
  • August 18, 2022: $1.5 million for infant and early childhood mental health training for ECEs.
  • October 6, 2022: $90 million in joint funding for wages and other remuneration increases for ECEs
  • December 1, 2022: $174 million for a one-time payment plus an increase to the wage top-up for ECEs
  • January 15, 2024: Alberta parents and guardians are encouraged to participate in the Early Learning and Child Care Parent Engagement Survey to help shape child care in the province.
  • March 1, 2024: More than 2,300 child-care providers will receive advance payments to help them continue to provide the services Alberta families rely on.
• Wage grids/floors
  • No wage grid. Please note wages below are the average wage for each ECE level in Alberta.
  • Provincial average by level:
    • ECE Ⅰ: $19.43
    • ECE Ⅱ: $23.10
    • ECE Ⅲ: $28.50

Jurisdiction - Saskatchewan

• Quality Announcements
  • November 3, 2021: $9.6 million to fund $3 per hour increase for qualified ECEs
  • November 9, 2021: Approximately$4.8 million for accelerated early childhood education training opportunities with three post-secondary training institutions
  • November 30, 2021: More employment opportunities to become available for ECEs
  • March 22, 2022: One-time grant of $145 per regulated space to child care centres to support ECE recruitment and retention
  • August 15, 2022:  Approximately$9 million to offer ECE training at no cost
  • September 15, 2022: $5.4 million to provide $2 per hour wage increase; continued work on wage grid
  • October 11, 2022: $2.59 million in ECE recruitment and retention grants
  • January 31, 2023: $44 million in child care facility grants to offset inflation and maintain facilities
  • June 8, 2023: $12 million in federal and provincial funding for tuition-free training for ECEs, prospective ECEs
  • September 29, 2023: $7 million to increase wages for ECEs by $1.50 to $2.50 per hour depending on certification level, available October 1, 2023.
• Wage grids/floors
  • No wage grid. Please note wages below are the average wage for ECE based on top ups.
    • ECE Ⅰ: $16.68
    • ECE Ⅱ: $20.52
    • ECE Ⅲ: $24.77

Jurisdiction - Manitoba

• Quality Announcements
  • February 22, 2022: Approximately $19 million for ECE wage increases, pension top-ups, and Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) contributions
  • June 27, 2022:  approximately$37 million to support development of a wage grid, wage equity for ECEs
  • October 27, 2022: $4 million to reimburse tuition for ECEs
  • April 27, 2023: $52.8 million in federal funding to facilities to increase ECE wages (effective July 1, 2023)
  • April 27, 2023: $2.1 million in federal funding to launch Abecedarian approach in 4 centres, improve child care quality
  • June 15, 2023: $24 million in federal funding to expand ECE and child care assistant training programs, $6 million for ECE tuition reimbursement.
• Wage grids/floors
  • Latest wage grid:
    • Child care assistant: $17.04
    • ECE Ⅱ: $20.73
    • ECE Ⅲ: $23.66

Jurisdiction - Ontario

• Quality Announcements
  • April 2022: Introduction of a wage floor of $18 per hour for Registered Early Childhood Educators (RECE), $20 per hour for RECE Supervisors and RECE home child care visitors working within the Canada-wide ELCC system
  • December 2022: A wage top-up of $1/ per hour, to a maximum of $25 per hour, will be provided in addition to the wage floor. Effective January 2023, an increase to the RECE wage floor ($19 per hour for RECEs, $21perhour for RECE supervisors and RECE home child care visitors)
  • November 16, 2023: Ontario released its Child Care Workforce Strategy. The strategy includes improvements in compensation for Registered ECEs, supports to promote entry into the profession, enhancements to opportunities for career advancement, and other measures to cut red tape and improve awareness of the value of the profession. Beginning in 2024, the wage floor was increased (RECEs: $23.86 per hour, supervisors and home child care visitors: $24.86 per hour. RECEs making less than $26 per hour are also eligible for the annual wage floor increase of $1 per hour. RECEs and other staff will get one paid professional development day a year, with eligibility ceiling expanding annually so more RECEs can benefit ($27 per hour in 2025 and $28 per hour in 2026). RECE supervisors and home child care visitors earning less than $29 per hour in 2024, $30 per hour in 2025, and $31 per hour in 2026 will also receive the annual increase.
• Wage grids/floors
  • Wage floor of $23.86 for Registered ECEs working Canada-Wide ELCC and $24.86 for ECE supervisors and home child care visitors working within the Canada-wide ELCC system. Increase of $1 per hour each year through to 2026.

Jurisdiction - Nova Scotia

• Quality Announcements
  • March 16, 2022: Call for applications for provincial engagement table on child care
  • May 20, 2022: Creation of provincial engagement table to advise on child care transformation
  • October 11, 2022:  Approximately$75 million(federal) for higher wages and wage grid retroactive to July 4
  • February 17, 2023: Funding for child care centres to increase infant spaces, increase ECE wages
  • May 11, 2023: Information gathering begins to develop options on employee benefits, retirement savings for ECEs
  • October 6, 2023: Nova Scotia is partnering with a child-care centre in Sydney to provide evening, weekend and overnight child-care options to healthcare workers at Cape Breton Regional Hospital.
  • December 20, 2023: Pension and health benefits for all employees working in regulated early learning and child care sector, as well as wage increase for ECEs .
  • February 22, 2024: Nova Scotia announces additional funding to support wage increases, benefits, minimum wage increase for April 1, 2024. Also included one-time grant to offset financial pressures of operators, and an ending of waitlist and registration fees.
• Wage grids/floors
  • Wage grid as of April 1, 2024:
    • ECE Ⅰ: $23.59
    • ECE Ⅱ: $25.42
    • ECE Ⅲ: $26.34

Jurisdiction - New Brunswick

• Quality Announcements
  • March 23, 2022: Parent portal and ECE wage increases
  • June 29, 2022: Increase in salaries for inclusion support workers to match ECE wages
  • November 1, 2022: Introduction of an ECE wage grid, which reflects the required minimum wage rate operators must pay eligible educators
  • November 14, 2023: The Collège Communautaire du Nouveau-Brunswick (CCNB) now offers a new second year early childhood education program, which focuses on leadership and management of ELCC facilities.
  • Effective April 1, 2024, the wage grid for early childhood educators will increase by 3.6% across all steps. The wage grid sets out the required minimum hourly wage rate for educators based on their level of education and experience.
• Wage grids/floors
  • Wage grid:
    • Entry Level: $16.47 to $18.54
    • ECE Ⅰ: $22.79 to $25.35

Jurisdiction - Prince Edward Island

• Quality Announcements
  • December 7, 2021: Increased training opportunities for ECEs; notes one-time $3.6M investment in 2021 to 2022 to support the ECE workforce
  • February 4, 2022 and November 8, 2022: Support for licensed home child care centres in the form of grants and incentives to reduce parent fees, fund wages and professional development, and purchase supplies
  • February 18, 2022: One-time grant to encourage former ECE workers to return to the profession
  • December 16, 2022: Wage increases for staff at Early Years Centres, including for ECEs
  • August 21, 2023: Wage increase for ECEs and staff in Early Years Centres (EYC) effective Oct 1, 2023. Announcement of new pension plan for staff in EYCs.
  • October 4, 2023: PEI plans to expand three grants for family home child care centres over the next two years, which will help to promote licensing, and improve the quality, affordability and accessibility of licensed home-based child care.
  • January 10, 2024: Prince Edward Island updates regulations allowing for increased enrollment, modernized titles for staff certification levels and added pathways to obtain certification and bring changes to prevent delays in filling vacancies at centres.
• Wage grids/floors
  • Latest wage grid:
    • ECE Ⅰ: $17.23
    • ECE Ⅱ: $21.55
    • ECE Ⅲ: $28.86

Jurisdiction - Newfoundland and Labrador

• Quality Announcements
  • February 2022: Newfoundland and Labrador established an ELCC Ministers' advisory committee
  • July 12, 2022: $2M per year to support needs-based non-repayable grants of up to $10,000 for students in approved ECE programs
  • March 28, 2023: New wage grid for ECEs announced (effective April 1, 2023). Base rate of $25 per hour for Level II ECEs who hold a 2-year diploma, starting rate for new grads.
  • August 23, 2023:  A bonus of $5,178 has been created, effective April 1, 2023, for certified francophone ECEs.
  • September 13, 2023: Early Childhood Educator Recruitment and Retention Grant to provide funding to recruit and retain Level Ⅰ to Ⅳ ECEs to become certified and work in regulated child care services.
  • January 8, 2024: Newfoundland and Labrador has released a report outlining a review of the Operating Grant Program for child care services in Newfoundland and Labrador. The full report can be viewed here.
  • February 9, 2024: On April 1, 2024, Newfoundland and Labrador will increase the minimum enrolment threshold (from 70% enrolment to 90% enrolment) for regulated child care centres participating in the OGP. 
• Wage grids/floors
  • Latest wage grid:
    • Entry level: $18.06
    • ECE Ⅰ: $21.25
    • ECE Ⅱ: $25.00
    • ECE Ⅲ: $28.75
    • ECE Ⅳ: $33.06

Jurisdiction - Yukon (Whitehorse)

• Quality Announcements
  • December 1, 2021:  Approximatively$800,000 in shared federal and territorial funding to support benefits to ECEs; up to 8% of wages in support.  (Through bilateral workforce agreement)
  • March 18, 2022: Accelerated training path and bursaries available for ECEs
  • August 9, 2022: Approximatively$200,000in shared federal and territorial funding for bursaries of up to $500 for ECE training & development
  • May 24, 2023: Approximatively$925,000 in shared federal and territorial/ funding for a First Nations “Understanding the Early Years” course. Successful participants will receive a Level 1 ECE certification.
  •  November 20, 2023 The Government of Yukon begins review the Child Care Act. Changes to this legislation are expected to modernize credentialing and staff qualification regulations to align with current best practices; require all educators to take annual or biennial training or professional development to maintain certification.
• Wage grids/floors
  • 2023 to 2024 wage grid:
    • ECE Ⅰ: $20.89
    • ECE Ⅱ: $24.21
    • ECE Ⅲ: $32.08

Jurisdiction - Northwest Territories

• Quality Announcements
  • October 20, 2022: Retention incentive providing wage enhancements to approximatively300 ECEs. This transitional funding is retroactive to April 1, 2022 and will last until a wage grid is implemented in 2024 to 2025.
  • May 5, 2023: Legislative and regulatory amendments to streamline funding, reduce administrative burdens for program operators come into force
• Wage grids/floors
  • Wage grid in development.
    • Median wage for an Early Childhood Educator is $23.98 as per ESDC’s Job Bank Website.

Jurisdiction - Nunavut

• Quality Announcements: October 1, 2023: Nunavut launched the ELCC wage scale program to replace their current recruitment and retention fund that provides wage enhancements for ECEs. The optional wage scale recommends a minimum wage of up to $34.39  per hour for ECEs and includes minimum wages for management, program support, and centre support staff.
• Wage grids/floors
  • Optional wage grid:
    • ECE Ⅰ: $26.42 to $29.98
    • ECE Ⅱ: $28.30 to $32.11
    • ECE Ⅲ: $30.30 to $34.39

Why did poverty rates increase in 2022?

The increase in poverty rates between 2021 and 2022 reflects the end of pandemic-related income supports made available throughout 2021, as well as the significant increase in inflation experienced in 2022, which contributed directly to increase costs of living across Canada.

Will poverty and food insecurity rates increase in 2023 as well?

Official poverty rates and updated data on food insecurity for 2023 will be available in Spring 2025.

What government programs help support populations in need?

• The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) provides support to over 3.5 million families and over 6 million children, putting close to $25 billion, tax free, in the hands of Canadian families each year. Overall, there were approximately 380,000 fewer children living in poverty in 2022 than in 2015
• In July 2022, ESDC implemented a 10 percent increase for Old Age Security (OAS) payments for seniors 75 years and older, providing more than $800 in new support to full pensioners over the first year, and increased benefits for more than 3 million seniors. This is in addition to the enhancement of the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) in 2016, which increased the amount received by up to $947 annually for the most vulnerable single seniors and helped improve the financial security of 900,000 seniors. Old Age Security (OAS) retirement benefits continue to be indexed quarterly to help keep up with the rising cost of living
• In 2019, the Government introduced the new Canada Workers Benefit (CWB), a refundable tax credit that helps supplement the earnings of low-income workers. Budget 2021 expanded the CWB to support about one million more Canadians. The CWB tops up the income of up to 4.2 million Canadians, both employed and self-employed
• In Budget 2023, the Government committed to provide $13 billion over five years, starting in 2023-24, and $4.4 billion ongoing, to implement the Canadian Dental Care Plan. The Plan's rollout started in 2023 and provides dental coverage for uninsured Canadians with annual family income of less than $90,000. Since March 2024, the Canadian Dental Care Plan is open for application for seniors aged 70 and above. As well, to help struggling families of children under 12, the Government launched the Canada Dental Benefit providing up to $1,300 over two years. The program has helped almost 407,000 children under 12 access dental care and stay healthy as of January 3, 2024
• Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) has introduced the Canada-wide Early Learning and Childcare (ELCC) system and is currently engaged in work to develop the Canada Disability Benefit, which will provide much needed support to Canadians living with disabilities
• Most recently, in April 2024, the Government announced an investment of $1 billion of federal funding over five years through Budget 2024 to develop a National School Food Program. This program will build on existing school food programs across the country and allow more children and youth to have healthy meals and snacks at school, and at no-to-low cost for participating families. This program is a part of the Government's strategy to make life more affordable for the Canadians most affected by rising prices, including families

What has the Government of Canada done to address food insecurity?

• Our Government recognizes that food insecurity and food prices have been on the rise making it more difficult for many families to consistently afford nutritious food
• That's why our Government has provided unprecedented investment into food banks and food rescue organizations during the pandemic, and temporary additional supports to address food insecurity, like our Grocery Rebate last July and doubling of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) credit the year prior.
• Since 2015, we have also invested in programs such as the Canada Child Benefit, the recently enhanced Canada Workers Benefit, and Old Age Security benefits to help reduce poverty, increase well-being and improve the ability of families and individuals to afford the essentials, including food. These key forms of financial support to individuals and families are indexed to keep pace with the cost of living
• Most recently, in April 2024, the Government announced an investment of $1 billion of federal funding over five years through Budget 2024 to develop a National School Food Program. This program will build on existing school food programs across the country and allow more children and youth to have healthy meals and snacks at school, and at no-to-low cost for participating families. This program is a part of the Government's strategy to make life more affordable for the Canadians most affected by rising prices, including families

What has the Government of Canada done to help address recent affordability challenges?

• While inflation has fallen significantly from its peak, higher prices are still putting pressure on Canadians. That is why the federal government has taken further action to make life more affordable for those who need it most
• Budget 2024 will continue to support Canadians and build an economy that helps every generation get ahead by investing in school food for children, affordable child care, housing and lowering everyday costs
• federal actions through Canada's Housing Plan, including providing incentives across government, private and non-profit sector partners, to build 3.87 million homes by 2031, including 2 million new homes, on top of 1.87 million homes already expected to be built in 2031
• further, the Government announced new measures to protect renters' rights, including launching a new $15 million Tenant Protection Fund, and unlock pathways for them to become homeowners, through making sure that renters get credit for on-time payments which will be taken into account in credit scores for first time home buyers
• measures to grow the Canada-wide early learning and child care system by building more affordable child care spaces, which includes launching a new Child Care Expansion Loan Program, with $1 billion in low-cost loans and $60 million in non-repayable grants for public and not- for-profit child care providers to build new spaces and renovate their existing child care centres, among other investments
• the Government launched a new Canada Disability Benefit with $6.1 billion over 6 years, and $1.4 billion ongoing, to supplement provincial and territorial benefits, increasing the financial well-being of over 600,000 working-age persons with disabilities. This proposed benefit would provide a maximum benefit of $2,400 per year for low-income, working-age persons with disabilities, and indexed to inflation
• the Government of Canada committed $1 billion over five years in federal funding to create a National School Food Program, to provide up to 400,000 more kids healthy meals - helping them learn, grow and reach their full potential
• the Government will invest $1.5 billion over five years in the new National Pharmacare Plan. This first phase will ensure the effective roll-out of pharmacare, while providing immediate support for the health care needs of women and covering lifesaving diabetes medication
• the Government will continue to strengthen competition in the grocery sector, tackle shrinkflation (In other words, reducing size/quantity of a product without proportionately reducing its price), and help bring down the cost of groceries by giving more power to the Competition Bureau to crack down on unfair practices

Given the success of temporary emergency and recovery income supports in mitigating poverty in 2020, will the government consider introducing a basic income?

• Programs such as the Canadian Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) were introduced on a short-term basis to provide support to Canadians who were unable to work and experienced a sudden loss of income because of the pandemic
• The emergency and recovery programs provided by the government were designed to provide swift and temporary support to those who qualified but were not designed to serve as a basic income
• It should be noted that some of the Government's programs have many features of a partial basic income for specific groups, such as families and seniors. This includes the Canada Child Benefit (CCB), which provides substantial income support to families raising children
• For Canadian seniors, the Old Age Security (OAS) program plays a significant role in providing income security. OAS benefits are intended to provide partial income security for seniors in recognition of the contributions they have made to Canadian society and the economy. OAS recipients with little to no income, other than the OAS pension, are eligible for additional assistance through the Guaranteed Income Supplement
• Income security is a shared responsibility across different orders of government. As such, the Government of Canada recognizes the importance of working with the provinces and territories to find solutions to common challenges
• We will continue to monitor research and analysis on basic income and will continue to explore potential shorter and longer-term policy responses to address the needs of Canadians

A. Voted Appropriations

B. Transfers

C. Statutory Budgetary Authorities

Statutory Non-Budgetary Authorities