The Decibel What happened to $10-a-day child care?
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Feb 4, 2026 Dave McGinn, Globe and Mail education reporter who covers child care policy, walks through the Canada-wide $10-a-day plan. He explains missed space targets and which provinces are ahead. He explores why some operators avoid the program, the rise of for-profit care, staffing shortages, and how families are already saving money.
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Fees Have Dropped In Many Regions
- Six provinces/territories reached or exceeded the $10-a-day target, including Quebec and Manitoba.
- Ontario capped fees around $22 daily and Alberta's structure averages about $15 per day.
Increase Federal Funding Now
- Provinces are asking Ottawa for more funding to sustain and expand CWELC.
- Federal negotiators should prepare to increase capital and operating transfers to meet provincial asks.
Nonprofit Goal Is Falling Short
- The program is falling short on its nonprofit objective: 57% of new licensed spaces since 2022 are for-profit.
- Advocates worry for-profit growth undermines quality, pay, and stability.