Who handles childcare & early learning?
Childcare & Early Learning
Childcare involves all levels.
⚠️ Shared Jurisdiction: This area involves multiple levels of government. The information below shows the primary responsibility at each level, but overlap is common. When in doubt, start with the level most directly related to your issue.
Key Facts
- ● The federal Canada Child Benefit provides tax-free monthly payments to over 3 million children across Canada.
Federal
Parliament of Canada
- ● Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) agreements
- ● Canada Child Benefit
- ● Indigenous early learning and childcare
- ● Canada Child Benefit (CCB) payments to families
💡 Example: Contact Service Canada about child benefits, or your MP about childcare policy.
Provincial
Provincial Legislature
- ● Childcare licensing and regulation (provincial legislation)
- ● Early childhood educator certification
- ● Childcare licensing and quality standards
💡 Example: Contact your provincial childcare office about licensing or subsidies.
Municipal
City / Town Hall
- ● Municipal childcare programs
- ● Municipal childcare by-laws
💡 Example: Contact your municipal childcare programs, or your councillor about local early learning.
Quick Reference — Who to Contact
🏛️ Federal
Your Member of Parliament (MP)
🏢 Provincial
Your MPP, MLA, or MNA
🏘️ Municipal
Your City Councillor
How to Get Involved in Childcare Issues
Childcare affects families, the economy, and workforce participation. You can advocate for better childcare access, affordability, and quality by taking these steps:
- ● Contact your MP about Canada Child Benefit amounts or federal childcare funding priorities
- ● Attend municipal council meetings to discuss local childcare facility zoning and community programs
- ● Contact your MP about expanding the Canada Child Benefit and federal childcare funding.
- ● Participate in local school board meetings to discuss early childhood education programs.
Ready to Take Action?
Use MyCivicVoice to find your representatives and draft a letter about the issues that matter to you.
Take Action →Frequently Asked Questions
The federal government's national childcare plan aims to reduce average monthly fees by 50% over three years. Federal funding is conditional on provinces setting fee caps and expanding spaces.
Average monthly costs vary by province: Ontario ($700-900), Quebec ($7-18/day), BC ($500-700), Alberta ($300-500). The national plan aims to bring average costs to around $10/day.
Use your provincial childcare registry, ask your local municipal office, or use the national childcare finder at childcare.gc.ca. Waitlists can be long, so apply early.
Many provinces offer childcare subsidies for low-income families. Eligibility and amounts vary by province. Contact your provincial Ministry of Children and Family Development.
Licensed childcare meets provincial standards for safety, staffing, and programming. Unlicensed childcare (including nanny care) may not meet these standards but may be eligible for tax credits.