December 12, 2025 Calgary, Alberta Employment and Social Development Canada
Affordable child care is essential to Canada's economy. Every child deserves the best possible start in life, and every parent deserves the peace of mind that comes from knowing their child is cared for, in a safe and inclusive environment.
That is why the governments of Canada and Alberta continue to work together to support the successful implementation of the Canada-wide early learning and child care system, working towards ensuring that families across the country will continue to have access to high-quality regulated child care for an affordable price.
Today, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario, along with the Honourable Demetrios Nicolaides, Alberta's Minister of Education and Childcare, announced a one-year extension to both the Canada-Alberta Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement and the Canada-Alberta Early Learning and Child Care Agreement until March 31, 2027.
In total, today's announcement means that more than $1.17 billion in federal funding has been allocated to the Government of Alberta for 2026-27. This funding will support continued access to high-quality, affordable, flexible and inclusive early learning and child care programs and services, and help maintain the $15-a-day parent fees for licensed early learning and child care.
Building on this extension, the governments of Canada and Alberta will continue to work together toward long-term solutions for the Canada-wide early learning and child care agreement, to support the continued implementation of the Canada-wide early learning and child care system beyond 2026-27.
