The first years of life are essential for children’s development and future well-being. The Government of Canada is committed to promoting and investing in innovative projects that support early development to give every child a good start in life so they can succeed.

“Canadians are facing new pressures when it comes to giving their children the high-quality, inclusive early learning and child care opportunities they need to thrive. That is why our government is committed to investing in innovative ideas that will help better meet the needs of children and families, particularly those working hard to join the middle class.”
– The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development

“The skills children develop as part of their early learning experiences are critical to their success. Partnerships—like the ones we’ve forged with Langara College, the University of British Columbia and the VSO School of Music—will help ensure more children have the bright future they deserve.”
– The Honourable Harjit Sajjan, Minister of Defense and Member of Parliament for Vancouver

• These projects were selected as part of a call for concepts to find new and innovative ways to improve early learning and child care service delivery launched in June 28, 2018.

• On June 12, 2017, the Federal, Provincial and Territorial Ministers Responsible for Early Learning and Child Care signed a Multilateral Early Learning and Child Care Framework.

• Early Learning and Child Care

  • To better support Canadian families, especially those in need, Budgets 2016 and 2017 included investments of $7.5 billion over 11 years to support and create more high-quality, affordable child care across the country.
  • On June 12, 2017, the Federal, Provincial and Territorial Ministers Responsible for Early Learning and Child Care signed a Multilateral Early Learning and Child Care Framework.
  • Each province and territory has since signed a bilateral agreement with the Government of Canada that represents the unique early learning and child care needs to its jurisdiction.

• Early Learning and Child Care Innovation
  

  • The Government of Canada has committed $100 million over 11 years for innovation in early learning and child care, starting with $10 million over two years in 2018-19 and 2019-20.
  • The Government of Canada issued a call for concept applications for early learning and child care innovation projects on June 28, 2018.
  • A short-list of applicants was asked to submit full proposals for review, and projects are being approved for funding based on a range of factors.

Associated links

• Multilateral Early Learning and Child Care Framework

For media enquiries, please contact:

Valérie Glazer
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Families, Children and Social Development
819-654-5546

Media Relations Office
Employment and Social Development Canada
819-994-5559
media@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
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