For too many families, the lack of affordable, high-quality childcare means difficult choices and financial sacrifices. COVID-19 has been especially hard for parents and has shown us that accessible, inclusive, and high-quality childcare is essential.
That is why today in Brampton South, the Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, and the Premier of Ontario, Doug Ford, announced an agreement that will significantly improve early learning and childcare for children in the province. This Canada-Ontario early learning and childcare agreement is a five-year deal to reduce child care fees in the short term, deliver $10-a-day child care for Ontario families, and create 86,000 new licensed early learning and child care spaces in the province. As part of the agreement, the Government of Canada will invest $13.2 billion over the next five years to cut child-care fees in the province in half by the end of the year.
Canadians are in agreement. Economists are in agreement. Women are in agreement. We need more childcare options, and we need them to be flexible, affordable, and inclusive.
Back in November, MP Sidhu presented a motion at Brampton City Council that passed unanimously in support of this deal, and it has been endorsed by the Brampton Board of Trade. Childcare is provincial jurisdiction and MP Sidhu is beyond pleased that the province has finally signed on.
The deal will also see Ontario create 86,000 child-care spaces and Brampton families are projected to see an immediate drop in fees by 25% and a further reduction in December with even more down the road. Every child deserves the best possible start in life and this agreement will provide just that.
It is a deal that will help build a childcare system that is inclusive, welcomes all children, and gives them an equal chance to succeed and flourish. It is an investment in the economic security of families that will support and create more high-quality, affordable childcare across the country.
PM Justin Trudeau said, “With the signing of today’s agreement, we’re making $10-a-day childcare a reality for families across the country. Today’s announcement will save Ontario families thousands of dollars each year – with fee reductions starting as of Friday this week – while creating jobs, growing the middle class, and giving our kids the best start in life” —
And Premier Dough Ford said, “I’m so proud of the work we’ve done with our federal partners to land an agreement that will lower costs for families across the province. Given how complex Ontario’s childcare system is, we wanted to get this right. Today, we’re delivering a deal that will keep money in the pockets of hard-working parents.
Local MP from Brampton Sonia Sidhu said, “The issue of affordability is something I’ve heard clearly on the ground from community organizations like Brampton YMCA and Peel BGC. So many parents at their doorstops, especially mothers, have told me they want to get into the workforce but are facing barriers. We promised $30 billion over five years for a national child-care program and to cut fees to $10 a day over five years, and we are delivering for Canadian families.” —
Also, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Chrystia Freeland added that , A year ago, our government made a commitment to Canadians: to deliver affordable high-quality early learning and childcare for young families across the country. Now that agreements have been reached with all provinces and territories, a cause championed by generations of forward-thinking Canadians is about to become reality. I am so pleased that today’s agreement delivers our promise to Canadians to make life more affordable for young families, create jobs, increase women’s participation in the workforce and give every child the best possible start in life – no matter where they live.”
