What's Happening?
A recent report highlights that over 300,000 Canadian families faced barriers to child-care access last year, delaying a parent's return to work. Despite the introduction of Canada's $10-a-day child-care plan, which aimed to reduce fees and create 250,000
regulated spaces, many families still struggle to find available care. The report, authored by Alisaleh Shariati from the Centre for the Study of Living Standards, indicates that while lower fees have increased employment among mothers, the lack of available spaces remains a significant issue. In 2025, about 332,200 families experienced access problems, with 33.9% using child care but facing difficulties, and 43% not using child care at all. The report suggests that addressing these access issues could significantly boost GDP, potentially adding up to $15.6 billion if barriers were removed.
Why It's Important?
The child-care access issue is crucial as it directly impacts the Canadian economy and workforce participation, particularly among mothers. The inability to secure child-care spaces forces many parents to delay returning to work, affecting their career trajectories and financial stability. This situation also limits the potential economic gains from increased workforce participation. The report underscores the need for a robust child-care system that not only reduces costs but also ensures availability and quality. Addressing these issues could lead to substantial economic benefits, including increased GDP and improved gender equality in the workforce. The findings highlight the importance of expanding child-care access to support working families and strengthen the economy.
What's Next?
To address the ongoing child-care access issues, the report suggests bolstering the child-care workforce by improving wages, benefits, and training opportunities for early childhood educators. Additionally, it recommends building new staffed spaces in areas with the greatest need and implementing better public reporting and accountability measures. Governments are encouraged to track operational spaces, waitlists, and service demographics to ensure equitable access. These steps aim to create a sustainable child-care system that supports families and contributes to economic growth.
