Latest news with #DavidMacdonald
CTV News
4 days ago
- Business
- CTV News
Six provinces, territories currently meet the federal government's $10-a-day child care target: report
A report finds Ottawa is set to miss the $10-a-day childcare target as Ontario is among five provinces without a plan to reduce childcare fees. OTTAWA — Ottawa is expected to miss its 2026 deadline to implement $10-a-day child care services across the country, the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives said in a new report published on Wednesday. The analysis concluded that just six provinces and territories are meeting that fee target now. David Macdonald, an economist with the centre, said even though fees have dropped significantly everywhere, the federal government is unlikely to meet its self-imposed deadline. 'It's almost certain that even after the 2026 deadline passes, many parents in five provinces will be paying more than $10 a day for child care,' Macdonald said. 'That being said, the fee drops for parents so far have been staggering in Ontario, Alberta and Nunavut, as these jurisdictions had let fees get far too high before the federal program.' The $10-a-day child care program, announced in 2021, was a signature policy of former prime minister Justin Trudeau. The report says just six provinces and territories — Nunavut, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Quebec, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador — have met or improved upon the government's 2026 target for $10-a-day child care. Five provinces — Ontario, Nova Scotia, Alberta, B.C. and New Brunswick — do not yet have plans to reduce fees to $10 a day, the report says. Cities in those provinces have the highest costs for child care, says the report — for example parents in Richmond, B.C. are paying median fees of $39 per day for infants, about four times the target fee. The federal government's goal was for fees to 'average' $10 a day, but Macdonald called that a 'get out of jail free card' that will leave parents paying more than that amount after the deadline passes. 'I think that this will become a political problem in April of 2026 when folks say, 'Wait a second, this is a $10-a-day child care program, but I'm paying $12, $17, $20 a day,'' he said. Jurisdictions like Ontario that already had high fees are seeing savings of around $1,300 per month in Toronto and $1,000 per month in the surrounding area, the report found. Macdonald said that's largely because regulations have forced prices down. 'Across the board, we saw the provinces that had the fewest restrictions on fees and let the fees really get out of control, you see really big savings when you step in and regulate those fees,' he said. Macdonald said it's unlikely Ontario and Alberta will meet the 2026 target but noted the 'big progress' in those provinces and others. Fees in Quebec have increased slightly since 2019. Macdonald said that's largely due to inflation, with the province's day fee sitting about $0.70 below the $10 target. Macdonald said that as fees drop, another problem will continue to grow — the lack of child care spaces. 'At this point, there isn't enough. The fact that fees are much lower drives a lot more demand,' he said. 'Now the real question will be, can we rapidly build those spaces so that there are enough spaces for people to actually access these more affordable prices?' Martha Friendly, who works with the Childcare Resource and Research Unit, said that to avoid 'child care deserts,' more public and non-profit child care spaces should be created countrywide. 'The expansion of the child care workforce is also key, emphasizing the hiring of more workers and the retention of existing ones,' Friendly said. 'The lessons of what works so far has been clear. We need primarily public and non-profit services, affordable set fees for parents and fair wages and good working conditions for workers.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 9, 2025. Alessia Passafiume, The Canadian Press
CBC
4 days ago
- Business
- CBC
Ottawa not on track to meet 2026 deadline for $10-a-day child care: report
Social Sharing Ottawa is expected to miss its 2026 deadline to implement $10-a-day child care services across the country, the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives said in a new report published on Wednesday. The analysis concluded that just six provinces and territories are meeting that fee target now. David Macdonald, an economist with the centre, said even though fees have dropped significantly everywhere, the federal government is unlikely to meet its self-imposed deadline. "It's almost certain that even after the 2026 deadline passes, many parents in five provinces will be paying more than $10 a day for child care," Macdonald said. "That being said, the fee drops for parents so far have been staggering in Ontario, Alberta and Nunavut, as these jurisdictions had let fees get far too high before the federal program." The $10-a-day child care program, announced in 2021, was a signature policy of former prime minister Justin Trudeau. The report says just six provinces and territories — Nunavut, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Quebec, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador — have met or improved upon the government's 2026 target for $10-a-day child care. Five provinces — Ontario, Nova Scotia, Alberta, B.C. and New Brunswick — do not yet have plans to reduce fees to $10 a day, the report says. Cities in those provinces have the highest costs for child care, says the report — for example parents in Richmond, B.C. are paying median fees of $39 per day for infants, about four times the target fee. The federal government's goal was for fees to "average" $10 a day, but Macdonald called that a "get out of jail free card" that will leave parents paying more than that amount after the deadline passes. "I think that this will become a political problem in April of 2026 when folks say, 'Wait a second, this is a $10-a-day child care program, but I'm paying $12, $17, $20 a day,"' he said. GTA sees drop significant drop in fees Jurisdictions like Ontario that already had high fees are seeing savings of around $1,300 per month in Toronto and $1,000 per month in the surrounding area, the report found. In Toronto and Ottawa, the median fee for infants is $22 per day, the report says. That's down from just under $86 a day five years ago, said Morna Ballantyne, executive director of Child Care Now, an advocacy group that was involved in the report. "In the GTA, the fees have dropped really dramatically, more than just about anywhere else because the fees were so high before the introduction of the federal program," Ballantyne said in an interview with CBC Radio's Metro Morning on Wednesday. Macdonald said that's largely because regulations have forced prices down. "Across the board, we saw the provinces that had the fewest restrictions on fees and let the fees really get out of control, you see really big savings when you step in and regulate those fees," he said. Macdonald said it's unlikely Ontario and Alberta will meet the 2026 target but noted the "big progress" in those provinces and others. Ontario to cut funding from daycares not in $10-a-day program 10 months ago Duration 2:13 Ontario child-care centres that aren't participating in the national $10-a-day program will soon lose provincial funding to offer fee subsidies to lower-income families, and their staff could see a pay cut of $2 an hour. Fees in Quebec have increased slightly since 2019. Macdonald said that's largely due to inflation, with the province's day fee sitting about $0.70 below the $10 target. Macdonald said that as fees drop, another problem will continue to grow — the lack of child-care spaces. "At this point, there isn't enough. The fact that fees are much lower drives a lot more demand," he said. "Now the real question will be, can we rapidly build those spaces so that there are enough spaces for people to actually access these more affordable prices?" A huge challenge to creating those spaces is attracting and retaining people to work at them, partly due to low wages, said Ballantyne. "If we're trying to grow a system, especially [a] child-care system where it's a very labour intensive industry ... you need a lot of people who are trained and willing to work in the sector," she said. "And unfortunately, there are many early childhood educators who are fully qualified but are unable to work in child care because the wages are so poor and the benefits so few." Martha Friendly, who works with the Childcare Resource and Research Unit, said that to avoid "child-care deserts," more public and non-profit child care spaces should be created countrywide. "The expansion of the child-care workforce is also key, emphasizing the hiring of more workers and the retention of existing ones," Friendly said.
Global News
4 days ago
- Business
- Global News
Half of provinces won't hit 2026 $10-a-day child care target, report says
Ottawa is expected to miss its 2026 deadline to implement $10-a-day child care services across the country, the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives said in a new report published on Wednesday. The analysis concluded that just six provinces and territories are meeting that fee target now. David Macdonald, an economist with the centre, said even though fees have dropped significantly everywhere, the federal government is unlikely to meet its self-imposed deadline. 'It's almost certain that even after the 2026 deadline passes, many parents in five provinces will be paying more than $10 a day for child care,' Macdonald said. 'That being said, the fee drops for parents so far have been staggering in Ontario, Alberta and Nunavut, as these jurisdictions had let fees get far too high before the federal program.' Story continues below advertisement The $10-a-day child care program, announced in 2021, was a signature policy of former prime minister Justin Trudeau. The report says just six provinces and territories — Nunavut, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Quebec, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador — have met or improved upon the government's 2026 target for $10-a-day child care. Five provinces — Ontario, Nova Scotia, Alberta, B.C. and New Brunswick — do not yet have plans to reduce fees to $10 a day, the report says. 3:13 Trudeau extends $10-a-day child care for another 5 years, deal struck with 11 of 13 provinces Cities in those provinces have the highest costs for child care, says the report — for example parents in Richmond, B.C. are paying median fees of $39 per day for infants, about four times the target fee. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy The federal government's goal was for fees to 'average' $10 a day, but Macdonald called that a 'get out of jail free card' that will leave parents paying more than that amount after the deadline passes. Story continues below advertisement 'I think that this will become a political problem in April of 2026 when folks say, 'Wait a second, this is a $10-a-day child care program, but I'm paying $12, $17, $20 a day,'' he said. Jurisdictions like Ontario that already had high fees are seeing savings of around $1,300 per month in Toronto and $1,000 per month in the surrounding area, the report found. Macdonald said that's largely because regulations have forced prices down. 'Across the board, we saw the provinces that had the fewest restrictions on fees and let the fees really get out of control, you see really big savings when you step in and regulate those fees,' he said. Macdonald said it's unlikely Ontario and Alberta will meet the 2026 target but noted the 'big progress' in those provinces and others. Fees in Quebec have increased slightly since 2019. Macdonald said that's largely due to inflation, with the province's day fee sitting about $0.70 below the $10 target. Macdonald said that as fees drop, another problem will continue to grow — the lack of child care spaces. 'At this point, there isn't enough. The fact that fees are much lower drives a lot more demand,' he said. 'Now the real question will be, can we rapidly build those spaces so that there are enough spaces for people to actually access these more affordable prices?' Story continues below advertisement Martha Friendly, who works with the Childcare Resource and Research Unit, said that to avoid 'child care deserts,' more public and non-profit child care spaces should be created countrywide. 'The expansion of the child care workforce is also key, emphasizing the hiring of more workers and the retention of existing ones,' Friendly said. 'The lessons of what works so far has been clear. We need primarily public and non-profit services, affordable set fees for parents and fair wages and good working conditions for workers.'
Toronto Sun
4 days ago
- Business
- Toronto Sun
Ottawa set to miss 2026 deadline for establishing $10-a-day child care: Report
Published Jul 09, 2025 • 3 minute read Daycare classroom. Photo by Stock art / Getty Images OTTAWA — Ottawa is expected to miss its 2026 deadline to implement $10-a-day child care services across the country, the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives said in a new report published on Wednesday. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account The analysis concluded that just six provinces and territories are meeting that fee target now. David Macdonald, an economist with the centre, said even though fees have dropped significantly everywhere, the federal government is unlikely to meet its self-imposed deadline. 'It's almost certain that even after the 2026 deadline passes, many parents in five provinces will be paying more than $10 a day for child care,' Macdonald said. 'That being said, the fee drops for parents so far have been staggering in Ontario, Alberta and Nunavut, as these jurisdictions had let fees get far too high before the federal program.' The $10-a-day child care program, announced in 2021, was a signature policy of former prime minister Justin Trudeau. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The report says just six provinces and territories _ Nunavut, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Quebec, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador — have met or improved upon the government's 2026 target for $10-a-day child care. Five provinces — Ontario, Nova Scotia, Alberta, B.C. and New Brunswick — do not yet have plans to reduce fees to $10 a day, the report says. Cities in those provinces have the highest costs for child care, says the report — for example parents in Richmond, B.C. are paying median fees of $39 per day for infants, about four times the target fee. The federal government's goal was for fees to 'average' $10 a day, but Macdonald called that a 'get out of jail free card' that will leave parents paying more than that amount after the deadline passes. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'I think that this will become a political problem in April of 2026 when folks say, 'Wait a second, this is a $10-a-day child care program, but I'm paying $12, $17, $20 a day,'' he said. Jurisdictions like Ontario that already had high fees are seeing savings of around $1,300 per month in Toronto and $1,000 per month in the surrounding area, the report found. Macdonald said that's largely because regulations have forced prices down. 'Across the board, we saw the provinces that had the fewest restrictions on fees and let the fees really get out of control, you see really big savings when you step in and regulate those fees,' he said. Macdonald said it's unlikely Ontario and Alberta will meet the 2026 target but noted the 'big progress' in those provinces and others. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Fees in Quebec have increased slightly since 2019. Macdonald said that's largely due to inflation, with the province's day fee sitting about $0.70 below the $10 target. Macdonald said that as fees drop, another problem will continue to grow — the lack of child care spaces. 'At this point, there isn't enough. The fact that fees are much lower drives a lot more demand,' he said. 'Now the real question will be, can we rapidly build those spaces so that there are enough spaces for people to actually access these more affordable prices?' Martha Friendly, who works with the Childcare Resource and Research Unit, said that to avoid 'child care deserts,' more public and non-profit child care spaces should be created countrywide. 'The expansion of the child care workforce is also key, emphasizing the hiring of more workers and the retention of existing ones,' Friendly said. 'The lessons of what works so far has been clear. We need primarily public and non-profit services, affordable set fees for parents and fair wages and good working conditions for workers.' Uncategorized Sunshine Girls Columnists Crime Sunshine Girls
CTV News
4 days ago
- Business
- CTV News
Ottawa set to miss 2026 deadline for establishing $10-a-day child care: report
Children play at the Blessed Chiara Badano Child Care Centre in Stouffville, Ont., on Friday, May 2, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette OTTAWA — Ottawa is expected to miss its 2026 deadline to implement $10-a-day child care services across the country, the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives said in a new report published on Wednesday. The analysis concluded that just six provinces and territories are meeting that fee target now. David Macdonald, an economist with the centre, said even though fees have dropped significantly everywhere, the federal government is unlikely to meet its self-imposed deadline. 'It's almost certain that even after the 2026 deadline passes, many parents in five provinces will be paying more than $10 a day for child care,' Macdonald said. 'That being said, the fee drops for parents so far have been staggering in Ontario, Alberta and Nunavut, as these jurisdictions had let fees get far too high before the federal program.' The $10-a-day child care program, announced in 2021, was a signature policy of former prime minister Justin Trudeau. The report says just six provinces and territories — Nunavut, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Quebec, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador — have met or improved upon the government's 2026 target for $10-a-day child care. Five provinces — Ontario, Nova Scotia, Alberta, B.C. and New Brunswick — do not yet have plans to reduce fees to $10 a day, the report says. Cities in those provinces have the highest costs for child care, says the report — for example parents in Richmond, B.C. are paying median fees of $39 per day for infants, about four times the target fee. The federal government's goal was for fees to 'average' $10 a day, but Macdonald called that a 'get out of jail free card' that will leave parents paying more than that amount after the deadline passes. 'I think that this will become a political problem in April of 2026 when folks say, 'Wait a second, this is a $10-a-day child care program, but I'm paying $12, $17, $20 a day,'' he said. Jurisdictions like Ontario that already had high fees are seeing savings of around $1,300 per month in Toronto and $1,000 per month in the surrounding area, the report found. Macdonald said that's largely because regulations have forced prices down. 'Across the board, we saw the provinces that had the fewest restrictions on fees and let the fees really get out of control, you see really big savings when you step in and regulate those fees,' he said. Macdonald said it's unlikely Ontario and Alberta will meet the 2026 target but noted the 'big progress' in those provinces and others. Fees in Quebec have increased slightly since 2019. Macdonald said that's largely due to inflation, with the province's day fee sitting about $0.70 below the $10 target. Macdonald said that as fees drop, another problem will continue to grow — the lack of child care spaces. 'At this point, there isn't enough. The fact that fees are much lower drives a lot more demand,' he said. 'Now the real question will be, can we rapidly build those spaces so that there are enough spaces for people to actually access these more affordable prices?' Martha Friendly, who works with the Childcare Resource and Research Unit, said that to avoid 'child care deserts,' more public and non-profit child care spaces should be created countrywide. 'The expansion of the child care workforce is also key, emphasizing the hiring of more workers and the retention of existing ones,' Friendly said. 'The lessons of what works so far has been clear. We need primarily public and non-profit services, affordable set fees for parents and fair wages and good working conditions for workers.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 9, 2025. Alessia Passafiume, The Canadian Press
