Canada and Ontario Extend Early Learning Agreement with $12 Billion Commitment
The governments of Canada and Ontario have announced a four-year extension to their early learning and child care agreement, securing nearly $12 billion in federal funding for the province through 2031 while maintaining average daily fees at $19.
On September 29, 2026, the governments of Canada and Ontario announced a four-year extension to the Canada–Ontario Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement. The announcement was made by Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families, and Paul Calandra, Ontario’s Minister of Education.
Under this new extension, Ontario will receive nearly $12 billion in federal funding from March 31, 2027, to March 31, 2031. This amount is in addition to the $13.8 billion previously allocated to the province under the original agreement, which covered the period from 2021–22 to 2026–27.
As part of the commitment, Ontario has agreed to maintain current child care fees at an average of $19 per day until June 30, 2027. This follows measures taken as of January 1, 2025, when Ontario capped eligible child care fees at a maximum of $22 per day for providers enrolled in the system, bringing the average down to $19 per day.
Looking ahead, the parties will negotiate Ontario's share of a separate $5.4 billion federal fund over two years, which was announced by the Government of Canada in June 2026 to help provinces maintain stable child care fees.