On March 6, the Government of Canada announced agreements with 11 of 13 provinces and territories to extend current early learning and child care agreements until March 31, 2031. This extension provides an additional $36.8 billion over five years and a 3% funding increase every year for four years, starting in 2027-28, to help provinces and territories respond to inflationary pressures. B.C. will receive $5.38 billion in funding over five years (2026-27 to 2030-31) to create and maintain affordable child care spaces. This will support the sustainability and stability of early learning and child care in B.C. and across Canada.
In July 2021, B.C. became the first jurisdiction in Canada to sign the $3.2 billion Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement with the federal government. This milestone marked a significant achievement, highlighting our shared dedication and collaboration in creating a community-based child care system. In addition, B.C.’s Budget 2025 provides nearly $2.6 billion over three years to continue to implement the ChildCareBC plan.
Together, these investments will help families with child care costs, expand access to care and support the workforce and providers in delivering quality services to B.C. families.