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3h ago

Ontario Off Track on $10‑A‑Day Child Care as Auditor Flags 2026 Funding Gap

The report says parents could face average fees of about $32 in 2026, with declining access for lower‑income families.

New federal rules would prevent international students who graduate from early childhood education programs from applying for a work permit in Canada — a change that the Ontario government, colleges and advocates warn will kneecap the growth of Ottawa's signature $10-a-day child-care program. Children's backpacks and shoes are seen at a daycare in Langley, B.C., on May 29, 2018.

Overview

  • Auditor General Shelley Spence concludes Ontario is not on track to meet commitments on parent fees, new spaces and the share of qualified staff in the $10‑a‑day system.
  • The province spent most of the $10.23 billion federal transfer over four years instead of five, leaving a projected $1.95‑billion shortfall in 2026.
  • The report warns operators face a funding gap of at least $20 per space per day, which could push average parent fees to about $32.
  • Ontario had achieved only about 75% of its interim space target by the end of 2024 and shifted regional targets to prioritize faster delivery over highest‑need areas.
  • The estimated early childhood educator shortfall has grown to about 10,000 by 2026, and fewer lower‑income families are receiving subsidized child care.