October 21, 2025 (Gatineau, Quebec) Employment and Social Development Canada
Today, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario, issued the following statement regarding the performance audit of the Canada-wide early learning and child care system by the Office of the Auditor General (OAG):
"As a government committed to responsible and effective use of public funds, we welcome the report by the OAG, which highlights the significant progress and tangible savings we have built for Canadian families through the Canada-wide early learning and child care system.
While the OAG confirmed that we supported improvements in early learning and child care across Canada and that most regulated early learning and child care spaces are now more affordable, the Government recognizes the importance of the OAG's findings and is actively working to implement its recommendations to strengthen and improve the system.
Openness, transparency and accountability are guiding principles of the Government of Canada, and we agree with the Auditor General that regular analysis and reporting on the Canada-wide system is essential to protect its integrity and ensure it continues to empower families by meeting their evolving needs.
More work is needed to improve reporting practices. We are working with provincial, territorial and Indigenous partners to provide Canadians with clear and accurate information on the progress being made to build a stronger system, reduce costs and empower families across the country.
As part of this work, results frameworks are being co-developed with First Nations, Inuit and Métis partners to measure Indigenous early learning and child care (ELCC) outcomes. This supports reconciliation, aligns with the Indigenous ELCC Framework, and will guide reporting when implemented in 2025-26 and 2026-27, helping to build an inclusive system that empowers Indigenous families.
When the Government of Canada launched the Canada-wide early learning and child care system in 2021, affordability and access were the biggest challenges. Families were often paying fees equivalent to a second mortgage or rent. The Auditor General's report confirms that our work with provinces and territories is already delivering significant savings for families. Families of nearly a million children now have access to affordable, high-quality child care-saving them thousands of dollars each year. This means less pressure on families and more choice for parents.
Creating new child care spaces is a complex, multi-year project that involves considerations such as zoning requirements, environmental impacts and workforce planning. Many provincial and territorial action plans reflect a gradual approach, with more spaces scheduled in the later years to align with local priorities and community needs.
Although the Canada-wide early learning and child care system is still in its early stages, it has already made a meaningful difference for families across the country. As the system continues to grow, efforts will focus on building high-quality, affordable, flexible and inclusive child care, protecting access for all families and empowering every Canadian to succeed.
The generational investments from the Government will build a strong economy, support parents and give every child a fair chance. We remain focused on working with provinces and territories to lower child costs and ensure that Canadians are empowered to fully participate in the economy. The Government will use the Auditor General's recommendations as a roadmap to build a stronger, more accessible system that serves and protects all Canadian families."
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