November 28, 2025 Regina, Saskatchewan 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 Saskatchewan continue to work together to support the successful implementation of the Canada-wide early learning and child care system, ensuring that families across the country will continue to have access to high-quality regulated child care for an affordable price.
Today, the Honourable Buckley Belanger, Secretary of State (Rural Development), on behalf of 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 Everett Hindley, Saskatchewan's Minister of Education, announced that the governments of Canada and Saskatchewan have successfully negotiated a five-year extension, starting in2026-27 and running until March 31, 2031, to the existing bilateral Canada-Saskatchewan early learning and child care agreement and to the Canada-Saskatchewan Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement.
Through these extended agreements, the Government of Canada will provide more than $1.6 billion to Saskatchewan over five years to support access to high-quality, affordable, flexible and inclusive early learning and child care programs and services across the province. This includes an annual 3% funding increase, to help ensure the agreements are sustainable over their duration. As part of the extension, parents of children who turn six while still in child care will continue to be eligible for the $10-a-day rate for the remainder of the same school year.
This agreement is an important step in the provincial and federal governments working together to ensure accessible child care in Saskatchewan. Building and maintaining a Canada-wide early learning and child care system is a key part of making life more affordable for families and providing children with the best possible start in life, while building a strong workforce and growing the economy.
