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HUMA Committee briefing binder: Appearance by the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development – December 11, 2023

From: Employment and Social Development Canada

Official title: Appearance by the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities (HUMA), Supplementary Estimates (B) for fiscal year ending March 31, 2024, Date: December 11, 2023, 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

On this page

  1. Opening remarks
    1. Minister’s opening remarks
  2. Parliamentary environment
    1. Scenario note
    2. Member biographies
  3. Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC)
    1. Early Learning and Child Care Infrastructure
    2. State of Play of Agreements
    3. Early Childhood Education Workforce, Wages and Benefits
    4. Impact of Inflation and the Canada-Wide ELCC System
  4. Social and Economic Improvement - Hot issues
    1. National School Food policy
    2. Poverty Reduction strategy
    3. Social Finance Fund
    4. Affordability and poverty
  5. Supplementary Estimates B
    1. 2023 to 2024 Supplementary Estimates B overview
    2. 2023 to 2024 Supplementary Estimates B placemat
  6. Ministerial mandate
    1. Mandate letter tracker

1. Opening remarks

1.a. Minister’s opening remarks

Speaking notes for the Honourable Jenna Sudds, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, for an appearance before the House of Commons Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities (HUMA). The supplementary estimates B, Budget 2023 to 2024 House of Commons, December 11, 2023.

Check against delivery.

Mr. Chair and Committee Members, thank you for inviting me to join you today. I would like to acknowledge that we are gathered on the traditional unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishnaabeg People.

It is a pleasure to be here today to update you on the progress that pertains to my portfolio as Minister of Families, Children and Social Development.

I am also accompanied by Paul Thompson and Andrew Brown.

The Government of Canada is focused on delivering policies and programs that make life better and more affordable for families in Canada.

We started in 2016 when we introduced the Canada Child Benefit. The CCB is tax-free and based on income so that it provides more support to families who need help the most. It is also indexed annually to keep pace with the cost of living. The CCB increased by 6.3% this year which means that low-income families are receiving up to $7,437 per child under 6 and up to $6,275 per child aged 6 to 17 to help pay for everyday expenses.

Just last year, we introduced the Canada Dental Benefit, which helped almost 380,000 children under 12 access dental care and stay healthy. Soon we will be expanding this coverage when the Canada Dental Care Program is launched.

And then there is the work being done to build a Canada-wide early learning and child care system.

As you know, in 2021, the Government of Canada made a transformative investment of nearly $30 billion to build a Canada-wide early learning and child care system with provincial, territorial, and Indigenous partners.

We signed historic agreements with every province and territory to reduce parent fees for regulated child care to an average of $10-a-day, create 250,000 new regulated child care spaces across the country by March 2026, and better support a well-qualified early childhood education workforce.

The families of hundreds of thousands of children are already benefitting from more affordable child care. 6 provinces and territories are offering child care for $10-a-day or less. In every other jurisdiction, fees for regulated child care have been cut by an average of at least 50%.

This is putting money back in people’s pockets. For example, Alberta families could save up to $10,300 annually, per child, allowing families to move to a larger apartment (an extra $5,500 per year) while also making the maximum annual contribution to a RESP ($2,500).

In Ontario, potential annual savings of up to $8,500 per child would cover the cost of annual undergrad tuition at McMaster or Queen’s University and allow an older child or parent to enroll in university.

But it was never just about reducing fees. It is also about growing the economy.

Studies have shown that for every dollar we invested in early learning and child care, the broader economy would receive between $1.50 and $2.80 in return.

And increasing access to more affordable and flexible child care helps parents—especially mothers—enter or re-enter the job market.

In many parts of Canada, the labour force participation for working-aged women with young children has reached record-high levels of nearly 80 per cent.

But getting affordable child care to where it’s needed most requires increasing the availability of regulated spaces.

In response to requests from provinces and territories, the federal government is also investing $625 million over 4 years in an Infrastructure Fund, with $75 million of this amount being requested through Supplementary Estimates B.

Through this fund provinces and territories will be able to make key infrastructure investments that support greater inclusion in underserved communities. We are also working in collaboration with First Nations, Inuit and Métis partners to ensure affordable and culturally specific early learning and child care is available to families. To help grow programs in underserved communities, the Government is investing $441 million over 4 years to respond to Indigenous early learning and child care infrastructure priorities.

This funding will be managed in partnership with First Nations, Inuit and the Métis Nation. The $5.8M request in Supplementary Estimates B represents a portion of funding for the 2023–2024 fiscal year.

While these infrastructure investments are critical to creating child care spaces, addressing the persistent labour force shortages in the child care workforce will be critical for the successful implementation of the Canada-wide early learning and child care system.

Provinces and territories are making strides in this area by implementing wage grids, increasing wages, and implementing other initiatives to increase the number of certified early childhood educators. The federal government will continue to work with provincial and territorial governments to support the recruitment, retention, and recognition of the high-quality child care workforce that is the cornerstone of our Canada-wide system.

Closing

The investments we’re making are about making meaningful improvements for Canadians and our economy.

And in building a Canada-wide early learning and child care system, we are also advancing the Sustainable Development Goal 4 of Quality Education by supporting quality education and lifelong learning.

With that final note, I welcome any questions.

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2. Parliamentary environment

2.a. Scenario note

The Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities (HUMA), Supplementary Estimates (B), 2023 to 2024.

Overview

The Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities (HUMA) has invited you to appear in view of its study of the Supplementary Estimates (B), 2023 to 2024.

Committee proceedings

Your appearance is scheduled to take place on December 11, 2023, from 12:00 to 1:00. You will appear on a panel with Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities and be accompanied by:

You have no outstanding follow up written responses due to the Committee. You are expected to receive questions on National School Food Program and recent increase in poverty and affordability problems.

HUMA has agreed that questioning of witnesses would be allocated as follows:

In round 1, there are 6 minutes for each party in the following order:

For the second and subsequent rounds, the order and time for questioning is as follows:

2.b. Member biographies

House of Commons Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities (HUMA)

HUMA membership

Liberal party of Canada 

Conservative party of Canada

New democratic party of Canada

Bonita Zarrillo, British Columbia, Disability Inclusion Critic

Bloc Québécois

Louise Chabot, Vice-Chair, Québec, Employment, Workforce Development and Labour Critic

Committee members biography

Chad Collins Liberal Party Hamilton East—Stoney Creek - Ontario

Brief biography

Chad Collins was first elected to the House of Commons for Hamilton East - Stoney Creek on September 20, 2021. A lifelong resident of Hamilton East - Stoney Creek, Chad resides in the Davis Creek area with his wife Mary and 2 children, Chase and Reese. He attended Glendale Secondary School, the University of Western Ontario, and McMaster University. Chad was first elected to City Council in 1995, at the age of 24, making him one of the youngest elected representatives in the City's history.

Chad is passionate about engaging local residents and community stakeholders, focusing on revitalization of infrastructure, development of social housing and stream-lining municipal programs.

As President of City Housing Hamilton, Chad has been committed to addressing the City's aging affordable housing stock by pressuring all levels of government to invest in the much needed repair of over 7,000 publicly owned units. He continues to work on nearly a dozen new projects across the City and in the riding that will provide new affordable housing units to those in need.

From the creation and development of new community parks and trails to the opening of a new food bank, Chad knows community consultation is an integral part of improving quality of life for everyone in Hamilton East - Stoney Creek.

Of note: key issue of interest: affordable housing.

Michael Coteau Liberal Party Don Valley East – Ontario

Brief biography

Michael Coteau was first elected to the House of Commons for Don Valley East on September 20, 2021. He has served as the Member of Provincial Parliament for Don Valley East since 2011. During his time in the Ontario government, his ministerial roles include: Minister of Children and Youth Services; Minister Responsible for Anti-Racism; Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport; Minister Responsible for the 2015 Pan/Parapan American Games; and Minister of Citizenship and Immigration.

Prior to entering the provincial government, Michael was elected as a school board trustee for the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) in 2003, 2006 and 2010. As a trustee, Michael advocated for student nutrition, community use of space and the use of educational technology. He initiated the ‘Community Use of Schools’ motion that drastically cut user fees and made schools more accessible to groups that offer programs for children. He helped introduce nutritional changes in schools that supported healthy food programs and increased awareness of student hunger.

Michael worked as an ESL instructor and curriculum developer before becoming a community organizer for a United Way agency in Scarborough. He was also the Marketing Manager for ABC Life Literacy, where he was responsible for the organizing of the Family Literacy Day across Canada, and was Executive Director of Alpha Plus, a national literacy organization mandated to support adult education through the use of technology. Michael grew up in Don Valley East and attended Don Mills Middle School and Victoria Park Collegiate Institute. He holds a degree from Carleton University in Political Science and Canadian History. He and his wife Lori live in Toronto with their 2 daughters, Maren and Myla.

Of note:

  • spent 10 years in the Ontario legislature
  • Key issues of interest:
    • Low-income families
Wayne Long Liberal Party Saint John — Rothesay - New Brunswick

Brief biography

Wayne Long was first elected to the House of Commons for Saint John — Rothesay in 2015 and was re-elected in 2019 and 2021. He is a member of the Saint John community with national and international business experience. Wayne currently serves as President of the Saint John Sea Dogs, and his efforts have helped turn the team into one of Canada’s most successful CHL hockey franchises winning the cherished Memorial Cup in 2011. That same year, Wayne was recognized with the John Horman Trophy, awarded to the Top Executive in the QMJHL.

Prior to his work with the Sea Dogs, Wayne was President of Scotiaview Seafood Inc. He was also a successful large-scale product manager with Stolt Sea Farm Inc. Wayne’s work has seen him travel across North America, negotiating contracts with national restaurant distributors, restaurant chains, and retail chains. He earned the North American Excellence in Sales and Marketing award twice. Wayne is a former Board Member for Destination Marketing and Salmon Marketing.

Wayne was born in the riding, and currently calls the area home alongside his wife, Denise, and their 2 children, Khristian and Konnor.
Of note:

  • has been a member of HUMA since the beginning of the 42nd Parliament (2015).
  • key issues of interest:
    • poverty
    • mental health
    • outspoken support of the Energy East oil pipeline project
    • previously broken ranks with party (Energy East, tax policy, SNC-Lavalin) which resulted in being kicked off House committees as punishment
    • frequently makes sports parallel (hockey)
    • government programs and support that benefit his constituents
Peter Fragiskatos Liberal Party PS to the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities – London North Center, Ontario

Brief biography

Peter Fragiskatos was first elected as the Member of Parliament for London North Centre in 2015.

Mr. Fragiskatos previously served as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Revenue. Additionally, he has served as a member of the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians, the Standing Committee on Finance, and the Special Committee on Canada-China Relations. He was also a member of various other committees, parliamentary associations, and interparliamentary groups.

Prior to entering federal politics, Mr. Fragiskatos was a political scientist at King’s University College at Western University and a media commentator. His works have been published by major Canadian and international news organizations, including Maclean’s, The Globe and Mail, The Toronto Star, BBC News, and CNN.

Born in London, Ontario, Mr. Fragiskatos has combined his passion for politics with a desire to give back to his community. He has served on the boards of Anago (Non) Residential Resources Inc. and the Heritage London Foundation. An active volunteer, he ran a youth mentorship program and has worked with many local not-for-profit groups, such as the London Food Bank, the London Cross-Cultural Learner Centre, and Literacy London, a charity dedicated to helping adults improve their literacy skills.

Mr. Fragiskatos holds a political science degree from Western University, a Master’s degree in International Relations from Queen’s University, and a PhD in International Relations from Cambridge University.

He lives in London with his wife, Katy, and their daughter, Ava.

Of note:

  • Parliamentary Secretary – PS to the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
  • Key issues of interest:
    • Non Parliamentary Committee member: National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians (2021)
    • Canada-China relations
Robert (Bobby) J. Morrissey Liberal Party Egmont Prince Edward Island

Brief biography

In 2015, Bobby was elected to the House of Commons and was re-elected in 2019 and 2021. He served as a Member on the Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans, as well as the Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities.

Previously, he was elected to the Prince Edward Island Legislative Assembly in 1982 and has dedicated his career and volunteer life to serving the residents of PEI.

Having served as MLA for nearly 20 years, Bobby has a deep understanding of his communities’ needs. He has held a number of high-profile roles within the Assembly, such as Minister of Transportation and Public Works, Minister of Economic Development and Tourism, and Opposition House Leader. He was also responsible for the redevelopment of the Canadian Forces Base Summerside and the surrounding community following its closure by the federal government in 1989. Bobby left politics in 2000 to join the private sector as a consultant specializing in government relations, fisheries, and the labour market.

Bobby has been a member of the Board of Directors for the Heart & Stroke Foundation of PEI. He was the founding member and former president of the Tignish Seniors Home Care Co-op, and Vice-Chair of Tignish Special Needs Housing.

Of note:

  • chair of HUMA
  • former member of HUMA in 2019 (briefly before the general election)
Tony Van Bynen Liberal Party Newmarket — Aurora, Ontario

Brief biography

Tony Van Bynen was first elected to the House of Commons for Newmarket-Aurora in 2019 and re-elected 2021. A resident of Newmarket for over 40 years, Tony and his wife Roxanne raised their 2 daughters there.

Community service, volunteerism, and helping those who need it most is what drives Tony every day. He and Roxanne have volunteered at the Southlake Hospital, and the Inn from the Cold, for over 10 years.

They also deliver food for the Newmarket Food Bank, and Tony was instrumental in creating Belinda’s Place, which is a multi-purpose facility for homeless and at-risk women.

He also had the privilege of serving as the Mayor of Newmarket for 12 years. During that time, community building is what guided Tony on his mission to revitalize Main Street, renew the historic Old Town Hall, and build the Riverwalk Commons so families and friends can enjoy great public places.

Through his previous role as the President of the Chamber of Commerce, and his 30-year career in banking, Tony understands what local businesses need to thrive and grow. He’s delivered innovative solutions to help local business owners find success, including creating the Envi broadband network, so businesses in the community have ultra-high-speed connectivity, which has been particularly crucial during the pandemic.

Of note:

  • Key issues of interest:
    • Focused studies to help Canadians, especially getting through the pandemic
Rosemarie Falk Conservative Party Associate Labour Critic— Battlefords-Lloydminster, Saskatchewan 

Brief biography

Rosemarie Falk is the Conservative candidate for Battlefords-Lloydminster. Rosemarie was born and raised in Lloydminster, Saskatchewan. Along with her husband Adam, she is now raising her children there. She has always been actively engaged in her community. Throughout her social work career and extensive volunteer work she has worked with some of the most vulnerable members of the community.

Rosemarie was first elected to the House of Commons in a by-election on December 11, 2017. Prior to this, Rosemarie worked as a registered Social Worker in Saskatchewan and has a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Calgary. She also has experience as a legal assistant specializing in family law and as a legislative assistant in federal politics.

In October 2022, under the new Conservative Party leader, she was named to the new Official Opposition's Shadow Cabinet as the Associate Shadow Minister for Labour and Associate Labour Critic.

Of note:

  • she has served as a member of the Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration
  • Sponsor: Bill C-318, An Act to amend the Employment Insurance Act and the Canada Labour Code (adoptive and intended parents)
  • Rosemarie is committed to being a strong voice for seniors, families, taxpayers and rural communities
  • Associate Critic- Labour in the Official Opposition's shadow cabinet
Michelle Ferreri Conservative Party for Families, Children and Social Development Critic Peterborough Kawatha, Ontario

Brief biography

Michelle is the Member of Parliament for Peterborough-Kawartha and was elected in the 2021 federal election. Michelle was appointed as Shadow Minister for Tourism as part of the Conservative Shadow Cabinet for the 44th Parliament. In October 2022, under the new Conservative Party leader, she was named to the new Official Opposition's Shadow Cabinet as the Minister for Families, Children and Social Development.

Prior to being elected, Michelle was a well-known community advocate, an award-winning entrepreneur, a committed volunteer, and a highly sought-after public speaker and social media marketer.

Michelle has over 20 years’ experience in media, marketing and public speaking. During her time as a reporter, one of Michelle’s most memorable experiences was when she had the opportunity to visit the Canadian Forces Base, Alert and fly to the station on a C-17 Globemaster.

Michelle is a graduate of Trent University (Biology/Anthropology) and Loyalist College (Biotechnology). Her education in science has led her to be a passionate advocate for physical and mental health.

She is a proud mother of 3 children, between the ages of 12 and 17, and shares her life with her supportive partner, Ryan, and his 3 daughters.

Of note:

  • she is a member of the Standing Committee on the Status of Women since December 9, 2021
  • Michelle is interested in physical and mental health, housing, the economy and food security
  • Critic- Families, Children and Social Development in the Official Opposition's shadow cabinet
Tracy Gray Conservative Party Employment, Future Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion Critic Calgary Midnapore – Kelowna- Lake Country, British Columbia

Brief biography

Tracy was elected to serve as Member of Parliament for the riding of Kelowna-Lake Country in October 2019. In October 2022, under the new Conservative Party leader, she was named to the new Official Opposition's Shadow Cabinet as the Shadow Minister for Employment, Future Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion. She previously served as Shadow Minister for Interprovincial Trade and as the Shadow Minister for Export Promotion and International Trade.

Tracy has extensive business experience and worked most of her career in the BC beverage industry. She founded and owned Discover Wines VQA Wine Stores, which included the number 1 wine store in BC for 13 years. She is has been involved in small businesses in different sectors including financing, importing, oil and gas service and a technology start-up.

The daughter of a firefighter and Catholic School teacher, Tracy grew up around service and a strong work ethic. She has 1 son and been married for 27 years.

Tracy has received many accolades including RBC Canadian Woman Entrepreneur of the year, Kelowna Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Award and 100 New Woman Pioneers in BC.

Tracy served with many organisations over the years. She was appointed to serve by BC Cabinet to the Passenger Transportation Board and elected to the Board of Prospera Credit Union for 10 years. In addition, she served on the Okanagan Film Commission, Clubhouse Childcare Society, Okanagan Regional Library Trustee and Chair of the Okanagan Basin Water Board.

Of note:

  • Critic – Employment, Future Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion in the Official Opposition's shadow cabinet
  • Sponsor: Bill C-283, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Corrections and Conditional Release Act (addiction treatment in penitentiaries) and M-46 National Adoption Awareness Month (outside order of precedence)
Scott Aitchison Conservative Party Housing and Diversity and Inclusion Critic—Parry Sound—Muskoka, Ontario

Brief biography

Scott Aitchison was born and raised in Huntsville, Ontario. After leaving home at 15, Scott was raised by the character of his hometown. In October 2022, under the new Conservative Party leader, he was named to the new Official Opposition's Shadow Cabinet as the Shadow Minister for Housing and Diversity and Inclusion.

Scott was first elected at the age of 21 to Huntsville Town Council. After serving as Town Councillor, District Councillor and Deputy Mayor, he was elected as Mayor of Huntsville in 2014 on a promise of fiscal discipline, responsible governance and excellent customer service. As Mayor, he built a reputation as a consensus-builder relentlessly focused on breaking down barriers and finding solutions.

Of note:

Critic – Housing and Diversity and Inclusion in the Official Opposition's shadow cabinet

Bonita Zarrillo New Democratic Party Disability Inclusion Critic Port Moody—Coquitlam, British Columbia

Brief biography

Bonita Zarrillo was first elected as Member of Parliament for Port Moody-Coquitlam in 2021. She is known to be a voice for equality and drives systemic change that puts people first. She entered public service so she could advocate for working people and to support the needs of the most vulnerable in the community. She championed buy-local as a tool for small businesses to thrive and to enable them to hire locally, challenged pipeline corporations to pay their fair share, and completed a successful housing affordability strategy that generated the most rental housing starts in her region.

On Coquitlam Council, Bonita served on the following: Fraser Health Municipal Government Advisory Council, Multiculturism Advisory Committee, Metro Vancouver Indigenous Relations Committee, Universal Access Ability Advisory Committee, and past Board Member for the Federation of Canadian Municipalities. She sat on the board of 2 local Not-For-Profits that advocate for gender equality and speaks regularly at The Commission on the Status of Women at the United Nations.

Before being elected to municipal government, Bonita worked in consumer products as a Business Analyst for companies across North America and Europe. She has a B.A. in Sociology from the University of Manitoba, a Human Resource Management Certificate from the University of Calgary and has a Computer Science Degree from CDI Montreal.

Of note:

  • Critic – Disability Inclusion
  • pledged to help Canadians through collaborative committee work
  • key issues of interest:
    • mental health and suicide prevention
    • women’s issues and gender equality
    • workers’ conditions
    • care economy
Louise Chabot Bloc Québecois Employment, Workforce Development and Labour Critic Thérèse-De Blainville, Quebec

Brief biography

Louise Chabot was first elected as Member of Parliament in 2019 and was re-elected in 2021. She was born in 1955 in Saint-Charles-de-Bellechasse, Quebec, is a Quebec trade unionist and politician. She was president of the Centrale des Syndicates du Québec (CSQ) from 2012 to 2018. The organization initially represented nearly 200,000 members, including 130,000 in the education and early childhood sector. She coordinated a major unionization project that resulted in the consolidation of more than 15,000 family day care managers, a first in the union world in Canada.

Of note:

  • Critic – Employment, Workforce Development & Labour Critic
  • sponsored the Committee’s study on the Review of the EI Program in 2021; critical of the EI program in general and very outspoken about seasonal workers’ trou noir and inadequate sickness benefits
  • interested in seniors’ financial security and their purchasing power
  • seek to enact federal anti-scab legislation
  • supporter of labour unions – Former president of Centrale des syndicats du Québec (CSQ)
  • member of the consultative committee for Quebec’s Pay Equity Commission
  • advocate for increase in health transfers
  • respect for provincial jurisdictions
  • labour shortages
  • nurse by profession

3. Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC)

3.a. Early Learning and Child Care Infrastructure

Issue

Implementation of Budget 2022 investments towards an Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) Infrastructure Fund and addressing the infrastructure challenges facing the ELCC sector.

Background

If pressed on the number of new spaces that will be created under the ELCC Infrastructure Fund

If pressed on why the funds are flowing from Supps B and what happens when PTs can’t spend the full amount negotiated this year

As negotiations are ongoing, it would be inappropriate for me to comment on such matters at this time.

Indigenous ELCC (IELCC) Infrastructure Investments

As part of broader investments announced in Budget 2021 to establish a Canada-wide ELCC system, Indigenous-specific infrastructure investments are available beginning in 2023 to 2024 to build and maintain new centres in communities. This funding will also begin to address capital needs in line with the distinctions-based community infrastructure plans, led by Indigenous Services Canada.

Key Facts

Key Messages

Indigenous ELCC Infrastructure Investments

If pressed on asymmetrical agreement with Quebec

Infrastructure funding will be provided to the province of Quebec through an asymmetrical agreement that will allow the province to align investments at its discretion to further enhance its ELCC system, consistent with the Canada-Quebec 2021 to 2026 Asymmetrical Agreement on the Canada-wide ELCC component

If pressed on how many new spaces will be created through the ELCC Infrastructure Fund

If pressed on access in rural and remote locations

If pressed on sufficiency of infrastructure investments for Indigenous ELCC

3.b. State of Play of Agreements

Yukon

FundingFootnote 1

2021 to 2026 Canada-wide Agreement signed July 23, 2021. Original funding announced: $41.7 million.

2021 to 2025 Extension Agreement signed August 12, 2021. Original funding announced: $10.2 million and an additional $2.5 million in one-time workforce funding in 2021 to 2022.

Affordability

Prior to the signing of the Canada-wide Agreement, Yukon had already implemented a $10‑a‑day child care system in April 2021 under Yukon government’s universal early learning and child care (ELCC) program.

Access

Annual numbers related to spaces created will be finalized as part of the jurisdiction's requirement to provide Canada an annual report on results achieved.

In the first year of the Canada-wide Agreement, Yukon announced more than 200 new spaces. Once operational, this would exceed their Canada-wide target of 110 spaces. The actual number of spaces created will be verified as part of the annual reporting process outlined in the Canada-wide Agreements.

Quality

Wages and Benefits

On April 1, 2022, Yukon launched the Early Learning and Child Care Benefits Funding program that enables employers to select and offer a comprehensive benefits package to ECEs, retroactive from April 1, 2021.

Yukon’s mandatory wage scale was introduced in April 2021, prior to the signing of the Canada-wide Agreement. It provided the highest minimum early childhood educator (ECE) wages in Canada at that time. Yukon’s wage scale is adjusted annually on April 1st by the increase to the minimum wage in the territory. Yukon’s ECE wage grid currently continues to offer some of the highest wages in Canada, with the support of the Canada-wide funding.

Other Initiatives

On November 20, 2023, the Government of Yukon announced the beginning of the review of the Child Care Act, that came into force in 1990, to support high quality ELCC environments.

In May 2023, the Government of Yukon signed an agreement with the Yukon First Nation Education Directorate and their Early Years Program. Designed and delivered by Yukon First Nations, the “Understanding the Early Years” course will be offered in Whitehorse and in rural communities, with special focus on communities that have limited access to professional development.

In August 2022, support for ECEs employed in licensed programs was announced for continued learning and development opportunities through a new web hub, bursaries, and professional development. Yukon also launched an accelerated education pathway for ECEs to increase the percentage of fully qualified ECEs.

In fall 2021, Yukon announced its Cultural Enhancement Funding to develop programs focused on Yukon First Nations, placed based outdoor learning, francophone language and culture and languages and cultures of other diverse populations.

Implementation

The Yukon Canada-wide Implementation Committee has met twice, in July and November 2022, to discuss implementation actions to date and challenges with partners and stakeholders.

Action Plan status

The 2023 to 2024; to 2025 to 2026 Canada-wide Action Plan has not yet been announced.

Northwest Territories

Funding

2021 to 2026 Canada-wide Agreement signed December 15, 2021. Original funding announced: $51.2 million.

2021 to 2025 Extension Agreement signed August 9, 2021. Original funding announced: $10.3 million and $2.6 million in one-time workforce funding in 2021 to 2022.

Affordability

In September 2023, Government of Northwest Territories redirected 2023 to 2024 Canada-wide funding toward a temporary emergency relief measure to support families, providers and ECEs affected by wildfire evacuations. For the month of September, Government of Northwest Territories offered 100% of the Child Care Fee Reduction (CCFR) subsidy, instead of the 60% that is currently covered by the federal envelope.

In February 2023, the Government of the Northwest Territories announced an increase in the Child Care Fee Reduction subsidy to providers, who will receive 60% of their average fees subsidized by the territory effective April 1. This follows the March 2022 announcement where the Northwest Territories reduced child care fees by 50%, retroactive to January 1, 2022 ahead of the December 2022 target.

In the same month the Government of the Northwest Territories announced that licensed programs will be able to increase their fees by 2% to 6%, depending on the total fee rates being charged by that program for infant and preschool spaces, and by a flat rate of $10 per month for out-of-school, effective April 1, 2023. This responds to public outcry from operators displeased with the 2.3% fee cap imposed on operators wishing to receive Canada-wide funding.

Access

To date, through the Canada-wide Agreement, Northwest Territories has announced plans to create 67 new child care spaces in support of their commitment to create 300 spaces by end of fiscal year 2025 to 2026. The actual number of spaces created will be verified as part of the annual reporting process outlined in the Canada-wide Agreements.

Quality

In spring 2023, the Government of the Northwest Territories undertook engagement with Indigenous partners and stakeholders on the development of a certification process and a What We Heard report was produced to address the fact that there is no certification process in the territory. The Northwest Territories have committed to increase ECE certification to 30% by 2025 to 2026 and 60% by 2030 to 2031.

In October 2022, the Government of the Northwest Territories and the Government of Canada announced a $4.6 million investment in wage enhancements for ECEs between 2022 to 2023 and 2023 to 2024 to support recruitment and retention of educators. The 2 year transitional funding is intended to enhance wages for educators until the implementation of a wage grid in 2024 to 2025.

The Northwest Territories has also committed to increase opportunities for education and training, and professional learning opportunities.

Implementation

The first 2023 to 2024 Implementation Committee meeting with partners was held on October 4, 2023 with the Northwest Territories’ Early Childhood Association (NWTECA) and was followed by the bilateral portion on October 11, 2023

2 Implementation Committee meetings took place in 2022 to 2023. In December 2022, the Northwest Territories held the first bilateral Implementation Committee. In February 2023, the territory held an engagement session with the Northwest Territories’ Early Childhood Association and several day home operators. The Government of Canada was invited, and this fulfilled the second Implementation Committee meeting with stakeholders and partners.

Action Plan status

The 2023 to 2024; to 2025 to 2026 Canada-wide Action Plan is completed but has not yet been announced.

Nunavut

Funding

2021 to 2026 Canada-wide Agreement signed January 23, 2022. Original funding announced: $66.1 million.

2021 to 2025 Extension Agreement signed August 13, 2021. Original funding announced: $10 million and $2.8 million in one-time workforce funding in 2021 to 2022.

Affordability

On November 17, 2022, the Governments of Nunavut and Canada announced that preschool-aged children at licensed child care centres and licensed home day cares would be able to access child care for $10-a-day as of December 1, 2022. Nunavut became the first jurisdiction to achieve the $10-a-day target under the Canada-wide system.

On January 24, 2023, the Government of Nunavut and Canada announced that since the implementation of the $10-a-day care, families in Nunavut could save up to $55 per day for each child in care, when compared to previous rates.

Access

To date, through the Canada-wide Agreement, Nunavut has announced plans to create 30 new child care spaces to support their commitment to create 238 new spaces by the end of fiscal year 2025 to 2026. The actual number of spaces created will be verified as part of the annual reporting process outlined in the Canada-wide Agreements.

Quality

Nunavut launched the ELCC Wage Scale Program on October 1, 2023 to replace their current recruitment and retention fund that provides wage enhancements for ECEs. The optional wage scale recommends a minimum wage of up to $34.39/hour for ECEs and includes minimum wages for management, program support, and centre support staff.

Nunavut has also committed to support the expansion of a culturally relevant ELCC sector workforce through recruitment, retention, and additional training (including first aid) opportunities.

Implementation

In 2022, the first Implementation Committee meeting (bilateral session) took place on May 16 and a second meeting with partners and stakeholders, namely Nunavut Tunngavik Inc., occurred on June 15, 2022. Another session with partners and stakeholders took place on December 6, 2022, and a subsequent bilateral session on December 15, 2022.

In 2023, an Implementation Committee meeting was held on June 23, 2023, and included both a bilateral and a partners session with Nunavut Tunngavik Inc.

Action Plan status

The 2023 to 2024 and 2025 to 2026 Canada-wide Action Plan is complete and was announced on November 10, 2023.

British Columbia

Funding

2021 to 2026 Canada-wide Agreement signed July 8, 2021. Original funding announced: $3.2 billion.

2021 to 2025 Extension Agreement signed August 12, 2021. Original funding announced: $272.3 million and an additional $48.8 million in one-time workforce funding in 2021 to 2022.

Affordability

On December 2, 2022, British Columbia announced that through a combination of child care fee reductions and the conversion of 10,500 spaces into $10-a-day spaces (increasing to 12,500 by early 2023), fees in the province were reduced by 50% on average.

On January 31, 2023, British Columbia announced that an additional 725 child care spaces joined the $10-a-day ChildCareBC program in February 2023, bringing the number of spaces to more than 12,700 and helping families across the province save thousands of dollars per year.

Access

British Columbia has announced 8,400 child care spaces will be created in 2022 to 2023 using provincial and Canada-wide Agreement funding to support the province’s commitment to create 30,000 new spaces by the end of fiscal year 2025 to 2026 and a total of 40,000 by the end of fiscal year 2027 to 2028. The actual number of spaces created will be verified as part of the annual reporting process outlined in the Canada-wide Agreements.

Quality

British Columbia has committed to develop and implement a wage grid for ECEs.

In October 2023, British Columbia announced 2 initiatives that will be supported with Canada-wide funding, namely a $2/hour expansion of the Early Childhood Educator Wage Enhancement and a new annual recognition grant of $2,000-$3,000 for ECEs with specialized training.

In August 2023, British Columbia announced funding to support the translation of educational documents, such as school transcripts and course descriptions, into English to support certification.

In May 2023, British Columbia announced it was accelerating the expansion of early childhood education programs so more than 1,300 people will have the opportunity to access this education over the next 3 years, with public post-secondary spaces in BC expected to increase by approximately 50%.

In April 2022, British Columbia announced the expansion of the provincially-funded $4/hour wage enhancement to include all ECEs employed in ELCC facilities, including those in administrative roles / not directly working with children.

In February 2022, British Columbia announced ECE recruitment and retention initiatives, including bursaries, peer mentorship programs, inclusion support, etc.

Inclusion

On October 31, 2023, British Columbia announced $7.5 million in funding that will support the creation of a new child care centre which will provide inclusive and culturally relevant child care for 60 First Nations children in Prince Rupert.

On February 3, 2023, British Columbia announced additional investments in the Supported Child Development and Aboriginal Supported Child Development programs. An additional investment of $31.8 million provided through BC’s Canada-wide and bilateral extension agreements will ensure children with support needs are receiving inclusive child care, and that more child care providers will be trained to provide these services.

Implementation

In 2022, the first Implementation Committee meeting took place on July 8, 2022, and included both a bilateral, and a partners and stakeholders session. The second Implementation Committee meeting was held on October 4, 2022, and also included both a bilateral, and a partners and stakeholders session.

In 2023, the first Implementation Committee meeting with partners and stakeholders was held on September 7, 2023. The bilateral session will be scheduled in the coming weeks.

British Columbia is also engaging with First Nations partners on First Nations-led child care and exploring options for tripartite collaboration. Similarly, British Columbia has been working with Métis partners to expand Indigenous-led child care.

Action Plan status

The 2023 to 2024 to 2025 to 2026 Canada-wide Action Plan has not yet been announced.

Alberta

Funding

2021 to 2026 Canada-wide Agreement signed November 14, 2021. Original funding announced: $3.8 billion.

2021 to 2025 Extension Agreement signed July 23, 2021. Original funding announced: $235 million and $56 million in one-time workforce funding in 2021 to 2022.

Affordability

Alberta achieved an average fee reduction of 50% on average in January 2022. Families earning under $180,000 benefit from additional subsidies.

Access

Per Alberta’s Ministry of Children and Family Services annual report for 2022 to 2023, Alberta supported the creation of 9,584 new affordable licensed child care spaces across the province in support of the province’s commitment to create 68,700 new spaces by the end of fiscal year 2025 to 2026. The actual number of spaces created will be verified as part of the annual reporting process outlined in the Canada-wide Agreements.

Quality

Key Elements in the Agreements related to Early Childhood Educators

Wages and benefits

Effective January 1, 2023, the existing wage top-ups for all paid hours increased by up to $2 per hour. All employed ECEs with claimed hours in October and November 2022 who continued to work in December were also eligible to receive a one-time payment.

Effective October 1, 2022, all paid hours worked by front-line certified ECEs are eligible for existing wage top-ups. This expansion to wage top-ups will now include indirect time as well as employer-paid vacation time.

Education and training

$1.5 million in federal funding was provided for in-person and virtual workshops to early childhood educators working in licenced child-care centres to enhance their knowledge of the social and emotional needs of children up to 12 years old.

$5.2 million provided to the Association of Early Childhood Educators of Alberta (AECEA) and the Alberta Resource Centre for Quality Enhancement (ARCQE) to give early childhood educators opportunities to enhance their understanding of early childhood brain science and childhood development.

Implementation

On January 31, 2023, Canada and Alberta announced a Cost Control Framework and For-Profit Expansion Plan. The Cost Control Framework applies to both not-for-profit and for-profit operators to ensure the sound and reasonable use of public funds under the Canada-Alberta Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement. This allows for a total of 22,500 for-profit spaces to be created in addition to the 3,700 for-profit and 42,500 not-for-profit spaces previously committed to in the Canada-Alberta Canada-wide Agreement. This means Alberta has committed to creating 68,700 new child care spaces by March 2026.

Implementation Committee meetings with Alberta and stakeholders have taken place as follows:

Action Plan status

The 2023 to 2024 to 2025 to 2026 Canada-wide Action Plan has not yet been announced.

Saskatchewan

Funding

2021 to 2026 Canada-wide Agreement signed August 13, 2021. Original funding announced: $1.1 billion.

2021 to 2025 Extension Agreement signed August 13, 2021. Original funding announced: $68.5 million and $17.2 million in 1-time workforce funding in 2021 to 2022.

Affordability

Saskatchewan achieved $10-a-day licensed child care under the Canada-wide system effective April 1, 2023.

Access

As of November 2023, Saskatchewan has announced plans to create 5,751 new spaces under the Canada-wide Agreement in support of the province’s commitment to create 28,000 new spaces by the end of fiscal year 2025 to 2026. The actual number of spaces created will be verified as part of the annual reporting process outlined in the Canada-wide Agreements.

Quality

On September 29, 2023, Saskatchewan announced $7 million in funding that will provide ECEs with wage increases of $1.50 to $2.50/hr depending on certification level effective October 1, 2023.

1-time grant to regulated and operational child care centres to assist them in recruiting and retaining qualified ECEs (March 2022); wage increase for ECE of $1- $5/hour (November 2021, September 2022 and September 2023); creation of 3 new Early Years Family Resource Centres in the communities of Lloydminster, Swift Current and Weyburn (March 2022); free training and tuition supports for the ELCC workforce through partnerships with Collège Mathieu, Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies (SIIT) and Saskatchewan Polytechnic (Sask Polytech) (August 2022); grant funding for preventative maintenance and repair of facilities and for the purchase of equipment and materials to encourage outdoor physical activity and winter play (January, 2023); and funding to increase access to training and professional development opportunities for ECEs (June 2023).

Inclusion

Grants to benefit families with vulnerable children and children experiencing disability (March 2022), additional inclusion grants to 3 Saskatchewan programs aimed at improving inclusion initiatives in child care (skills training specific to caring for children with medically complex needs under the age of 6, 2 developmental consultant roles, and 5 child care facilitator positions in Early Years Family Resource Centres across the province) (May 2022); and specific supports for children who require intensive support to attend ELCC programs, supporting an additional 150 preschool-aged children for the 2022 to 2023 school year (November 2022).

Implementation

The Canada-wide Implementation Committee has held 3 Implementation Committee meetings (June 13, 2022; October 25, 2022; May 24, 2023). Each featured over 25 stakeholders and feedback captured was very positive, particularly on the issues of affordability and increased wages for ECEs, but included concerns related to the ELCC workforce and the plans for rapid space expansion.

Action Plan status

The 2023 to 2024 to 2025 to 2026 Canada-wide Action Plan has not yet been announced.

Manitoba

Funding

2021 to 2026 Canada-wide Agreement signed August 9, 2021. Original funding announced: $1.2 billion.

2021 to 2025 Extension Agreement signed February 22, 2022. Original funding announced: $78.8 million and $19.2 million in 1-time workforce funding in 2021 to 2022.

Affordability

Manitoba achieved $10-a-day child care effective April 2, 2023 for children age 6 and under in regulated care – 3 years ahead of the broader Canada-wide objective. Note that the inclusion of 6-year-olds is unique among all PTs, and reflects Manitoba’s broader education system.

Access

As of November 2023, Manitoba has announced plans to create 8,226 new spaces under the Canada-wide Agreement in support of the province’s commitment to create 23,000 new spaces by the end of fiscal year 2025 to 2026. The actual number of spaces created will be verified as part of the annual reporting process outlined in the Canada-wide Agreements.

Inclusion

On April 27, 2023, Manitoba announced funding to implement the Abecedarian approach at a centre - an evidence-based early childhood intervention that improves developmental and learning outcomes for children in high-risk communities. Manitoba’s 2023 to 2026 Canada-wide Action Plan includes dedicated funding toward Partnerships with Indigenous Governing Bodies, Inclusion workshops, and a Diversity and Inclusion Services Model.

Quality

Manitoba introduced a wage grid for educators based on level of training and experience retroactive to July 1, 2022, and updated effective July 2023. The province also announced tuition reimbursement for ECEs on October 27, 2022 and committed another $6 million in June 2023 to continue the successful ECE Tuition Reimbursement initiative until 2026.

Manitoba announced more than $30 million to create new opportunities for ECE education and professional development (June 2023); Manitoba announced 1-time grant funding for 3 new quality enhancement grants: the Quality Early Learning and Environments Grant, the Innovative Recruitment and Retention Grant, and the Enhancing Diversity and Inclusion Grant (February 2023).

Implementation

2 Canada-wide Implementation Committee meetings have taken place (November 25, 2022, and June 15, 2023), meetings included feedback from members of Manitoba’s Minister’s Consultation Table, representatives from the Manitoba Child Care Association, a representative from Fédération des parents de la francophonie manitobaine, Manitoba’s Child Care Parent Advisory Committee and Manitoba’s Child Care Qualifications and Training Committee. Topics of discussion included: affordability, workforce, space creation and inclusion. Manitoba officials touched briefly on progress to date under each topic but focused primarily on work underway and next steps.

Action Plan status

On August 1, 2023, Canada and Manitoba announced the signing of new ELCC action plans to continue strengthening and expanding Manitoba’s child-care sector, improving access to high-quality, affordable child care for Manitoba families.

A new 3-year action plan, signed as part of the Canada-Manitoba Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement, sets out plans for the remainder of the estimated $1.2 billion the federal government is providing over 5 years for child care in the province.

A new 2-year action plan sets out plans for the remainder of the estimated $78 million the federal government is providing over 4 years under the Canada-Manitoba Early Learning and Child Care Agreement.

Ontario

Funding

2021 to 2026 Canada-wide Agreement signed March 27, 2022. Original funding announced: $10.2 billion.

2021 to 2025 Extension Agreement signed August 13, 2021. Original funding announced: $764.5 million and $150 million in 1-time workforce funding in 2021 to 2022. Note: These agreements have not been publicly announced nor published online.

Affordability

As of December 31, 2022, child care fees at licensed child care operators that have enrolled in the Canada-wide ELCC system have been reduced by an average of 50% (compared to 2020 levels).

Access

As per Ontario’s 2023 Fall Economic Statement announced on November 2 2023, Ontario has allocated 23,245 new spaces under the Canada-wide Agreement in support of the province’s commitment to create 86,000 new high-quality child care spaces for children 5 years old and younger by December 31, 2026.The province released updated space allocations to municipalities in May 2023, showing how it will meet its objective for new spaces to be created by 2026. Annual numbers related to spaces created will be finalized as part of the province's requirement to provide Canada with an annual report on results achieved.

Quality

On November 16, 2023, Ontario released its Child Care Workforce Strategy. The strategy includes improvements in compensation for Registered ECEs, supports to promote entry into the profession, enhancements to opportunities for career advancement, and other measures to improve awareness of the value of the profession. Beginning in 2024, the wage floor will be increased as follows: RECEs: $23.86/hour, Supervisors and Home Child Care Visitors: $24.86/hour. RECEs making less than $26/hr will also be eligible for the annual wage floor increase of $1/hr. RECEs and other staff will be granted 1 paid professional development day a year.

Ontario introduced a wage floor on April 1, 2022, that raised wages to $18/hour for Registered ECEs and to $20/hour for Registered ECE Supervisors employed by licensed providers participating in the Canada-wide ELCC System. Since January 1, 2023, an additional annual increase of $1/hour is provided to eligible staff at or above the wage floor, up to a maximum of $25.This raised the wage floor to $19/hour for Registered ECEs and $21/hour for Registered ECE supervisors and home care visitors in 2023.

Implementation

The bilateral portion of the 2023 spring Implementation Committee meeting took place on May 23, 2023. It provided officials with the opportunity to discuss enrollment in the Canada-wide ELCC system, funding guidelines, space creation, workforce, and inclusion.

The stakeholder portions of the Implementation Committee took place on May 31 and June 1. Key remarks from stakeholders centered on the ELCC workforce.

Ontario also undertook consultation sessions with the child care sector on access and inclusion priorities, the early years and child care workforce, on Ontario’s pedagogy for the early years and consulted on its new draft funding formula for 2024 and beyond.

Action Plan status

Given the late signing of the Canada-Ontario Canada-wide ELCC agreement (March 27, 2022), Ontario has a 2-year action plan which covers 2022 to 2023 to 2023 to 2024. The Action Plans for the following years have not yet been negotiated.

Quebec

Funding

2021 to 2026 Asymmetrical Agreement on the Canada-wide component signed August 5, 2021. Original funding announced: $6B.

2021 to 2025 Extension Agreement signed September 20, 2022. Total funding: $448M, and $90M in 1-time workforce funding in 2021 to 2022. Note that these extensions of the initial bilateral agreement (2017 to 2020) have neither been publicly announced nor published online.

Access

Quebec does not have a firm space commitment as part of CWELCC, but the province states as a priority the creation of over 30,000 subsidized spaces. So far, 20,500 spaces have been announced.

Implementation

Quebec has asymmetrical agreements on ELCC and is therefore not required to have an implementation committee.

Action Plan status

Not applicable.

New Brunswick

Funding

2021 to 2026 Canada-wide ELCC Agreement signed December 12, 2021. Original funding announced: $492 million.

2021 to 2025 Extension Agreement signed August 13, 2021. Original funding announced: $48.1 million and $9.3 million in 1-time workforce funding in 2021 to 2022.

Affordability

New Brunswick achieved a 50% average fee reduction on June 1, 2022, 6 months ahead of schedule, and implemented a Standardized Parent Fee Grid that sets the fees operators can charge parents. Their Parent Subsidy program has also been adapted to reflect the new low-fee model and will continue to support low- and middle-income families by further reducing out-of-pocket costs.

Access

As of November 2023, New Brunswick has announced plans to create 1,422 new spaces under the Canada-wide Agreement in support of the province’s commitment to create 3,400 new spaces by the end of fiscal year 2025 to 2026. The actual number of spaces created will be verified as part of the annual reporting process outlined in the Canada-wide Agreements. In 2023, New Brunswick launched a centralized ELCC wait list to support families in their search for a child care space, based on their preferences (e.g., location and language). On March 23, 2022, New Brunswick announced updates to its online Parent Portal, which now allows parents to enroll their children in child care online.

On November 1, 2022, a new space creation policy for designated facilities came into effect to prioritize not-for-profit facilities and infant spaces, including home child care, and a needs-based process to support responsible growth of the sector. This is part of New Brunswick’s new Space Creation Strategy.

New Brunswick also announced an expansion to the parent Subsidy Program to include newcomers.

Quality

On November 14, 2023, the Collège Communautaire du Nouveau-Brunswick (CCNB) announced that it now offers a new second year early childhood education program, which focuses on leadership and management of ELCC facilities.

On June 29, 2022, New Brunswick announced that inclusion support workers will receive an increase in hourly wages, matching their compensation with ECEs.

On November 1, 2022, New Brunswick implemented an ECE wage grid which operates as a wage floor; operators may choose to pay educators more than the amounts laid out in the grid. The maximum wage for a Level 1 educator aligns with the previously announced wage increase for trained educators ($25.16/hr), while the maximum wage for an Entry Level educator is the same as the previously announced wage increase for untrained educators ($17.90/hr).

Implementation

Two Canada-New Brunswick Canada-wide ELCC Implementation Committee meetings took place in 2022 (May 6, 2022, and December 9, 2022). The first meeting of the 2023 to 2024 fiscal year took place on June 9, 2023. Discussions focused on progress towards achieving the objectives of the Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement, including affordability, access, quality, the Early Childhood Educator workforce, and inclusion initiatives. The second meeting of the 2023 to 2024 fiscal year will take place on December 15, 2023.

Action Plan status

The 2023 to 2024 to 2025 to 2026 Canada-wide Action Plan has not yet been announced.

Nova Scotia

Funding

2021 to 2026 Canada-wide ELCC Agreement signed July 13, 2021. Original funding announced: $605 million.

2021 to 2025 Extension Agreement signed July 9, 2021. Original funding announced: $58 million and $10.9 million in 1-time workforce funding in 2021 to 2022.

Affordability

Nova Scotia achieved an average 50% reduction in child care fees on December 31, 2022.

Access

Nova Scotia publishes a quarterly updated dashboard with ELCC space creation numbers. As of September 30, 2023, 3,357Footnote 2 spaces have been created in support of the province’s commitment to create 9,500 new spaces by the end of fiscal year 2025 to 2026. The actual number of spaces created will be verified as part of the annual reporting process outlined in the Canada-wide Agreements.

Quality

Nova Scotia more than doubled the daily funding amount for infant spaces to $10/day for both centres and family homes, as announced in February 2023. The new Advanced Practitioner Program was launched, and saw the first graduates in summer 2023, who will be receiving an hourly wage premium. On May 20, 2022, Nova Scotia launched the Minister’s ELCC Engagement Table, to provide direct input and guidance on next steps in the province’s plan to transform child care. An announcement on retirement and health benefits is expected soon.

On October 11, 2022, a new wage scale for ECEs was announced, which included a wage increase in the range of 30% for most of the 2,600 ECEs, retroactive to July 4, 2022. ECEs received a 3% wage increase on April 1, 2023, and future raises will be in line with public sector wage increases.

Implementation

The first Canada-wide Implementation Committee meeting for the 2022 to 2023 fiscal year took place on June 14, 2022, and the second took place on November 30, 2022. The first meeting of the 2023 to 2024 fiscal year took place on June 15, June 19, and August 25, 2023, for the bilateral, English stakeholder and French stakeholder sessions respectively. The second bilateral and stakeholder meetings of the 2023 to 2024 fiscal year took place on October 31, 2023, and November 4, 2023, respectively. Discussions focused on progress towards achieving the objectives of the Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement, including: affordability, access, quality, the Early Childhood Educator workforce, and inclusion initiatives.

Not-For-Profit Transition: Nova Scotia intended to transform its entire ELCC sector to publicly delivered child care as part of the Canada-wide Action Plan. This transition was met with concerns from for-profit providers, who currently make up approximately 56 percent of providers. All existing child care operators were offered funding agreements for 2022 to 2023, and 2023 to 2024, as in past years. Nova Scotia is now offering a voluntary transition program, for those operators that want to change their operating model and pursue expansion, or for closing centres so as to prevent the loss of spaces.

Action Plan status

The 2023 to 2024 to 2025 to 2026 Canada-wide Action Plan has not yet been announced.

Prince Edward Island

Funding

2021 to 2026 Canada-wide ELCC Agreement signed July 27, 2021. Original funding announced: $117.7 million and $3.6 million in 1-time workforce funding in 2021 to 2022.

2021 to 2025 Extension Agreement signed August 12, 2021. Original funding announced: $16 million.

Affordability

On October 4, 2023, Prince Edward Island announced the province will be expanding 3 grants for Family Home Child Care Centres: the Family Home Centre Capital Grant; Family Home Centre Operational Grant; and Family Home Centre Licensing Incentive.

Prince Edward Island’s 2023 Speech from the Throne and Budget committed to expediting the reduction of fees to a capped fee of $10 a day for all children enrolled in designated Early Years Centres before the end of 2023, which is 1 year earlier than the Province’s 2021 to 2022 to 2022 to 2023 Action Plan goal of an average of $10/day by the end of 2024.

On December 16, 2022, Prince Edward Island announced that they reached the shared goal of a 50% reduction in child care fees by implementing $20-a-day parent fees, combined with provincial subsidies to eligible families and the expansion of the publicly-funded pre-kindergarten program.

On February 4, 2022, and again on November 8, 2022, Prince Edward Island announced new financial support available for people who provide child care in their home and want to be licensed to operate as a family home centre.

Access

As of November 2023, Prince Edward Island has announced plans to create 530 new spaces under the Canada-wide Agreement in support of the province’s commitment to create 452 new spaces by the end of fiscal year 2025 to 2026. The actual number of spaces created will be verified as part of the annual reporting process outlined in the Canada-wide Agreements.

Quality

On October 4, 2023, Prince Edward Island announced expansions to 3 grants for Family Home Child Care Centres over the next 2 years, which will help to promote licensing, and improve the quality, affordability and accessibility of licensed home-based child care.

On August 21, 2023, Prince Edward Island announced wage increases for ECEs and staff at designated Early Years Centres, effective October 1, 2023. Prince Edward Island also announced that the province will develop a defined contribution pension plan. On December 16, 2022, Prince Edward Island announced wage increases for staff at Early Years Centres, including for ECEs, effective October 1, 2022.

On November 8, 2022, Prince Edward Island announced further support for licensed home child care centres in the form of grants and incentives to reduce parent fees, fund wages and professional development, and purchase supplies.

On February 18, 2022, Prince Edward Island launched a new 1-time Return to the ECE Profession Grant of $5,000, to support the early childhood workforce and to help recruit ECEs back to the sector.

Implementation

The first Canada-wide Implementation Committee meeting for the 2022 to 2023 fiscal year took place on August 30, 2022, and the second took place on November 29, 2022. The first meeting of the 2023 to 2024 fiscal year took place on June 13, 2023. Discussions focused on progress towards achieving the objectives of the Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement, including: affordability, access, quality, the Early Childhood Educator workforce, and inclusion initiatives. The second meeting of the 2023 to 2024 fiscal year will take place in December 2023.

Action Plan status

The 2023 to 2024 to 2025 to 2026 Canada-wide Action Plan has not yet been announced.

Newfoundland and Labrador

Funding

2021 to 2026 Canada-wide ELCC Agreement signed July 28, 2021. Original funding announced: $306 million.

2021 to 2025 Extension Agreement signed July 28, 2021. Original funding announced: $35 million and $6.5 million in 1-time workforce funding in 2021 to 2022.

Affordability

Newfoundland and Labrador implemented $10-a-day for regulated child care effective January 1, 2023.

Access

As of November 2023, Newfoundland and Labrador has announced plans to create 1,100 new spaces under the Canada-wide Agreement in support of the province’s commitment to create 5,895 new spaces by the end of fiscal year 2025 to 2026. The actual number of spaces created will be verified as part of the annual reporting process outlined in the Canada-wide Agreements. To further support the creation of regulated child care spaces, the province has expanded funding under the Child Care Capacity Initiative Program and the Family Child Care Capacity Initiative, and funding has also been expanded to Family and Child Care Connections to increase capacity for regulated child care providers caring for children in their own homes in all regions of the province.

Quality

On September 13, 2023, Newfoundland and Labrador announced an Early Childhood Educator Recruitment and Retention Grant to provide funding to recruit and retain Level I to IV ECEs to become certified and work in regulated child care services.

On August 23, 2023, Newfoundland and Labrador announced that a bonus of $5,178 has been created, effective April 1, 2023, to support recruitment and retention of certified francophtwo ECEs.

As of August 15, 2022, Newfoundland and Labrador’s Early Childhood Learning Framework (Navigating the Early Years) is a requirement in legislation.

Newfoundland and Labrador implemented an ECE Wage Grid on April 1, 2023, retroactive to January 1, 2023. The wage grid has a base rate of $25 an hour for Level II ECEs who hold a 2-year diploma, which is the starting rate for a new graduate.

On July 12, 2022, Newfoundland and Labrador announced a new Early Childhood Education Needs-Based Incentive Grant to provide eligible students in approved programs with non-repayable grants of up to $10,000.

Newfoundland and Labrador established an ELCC Minister’s Advisory Committee in February 2022.

Implementation

The first Canada-wide Implementation Committee meeting for the 2022 to 2023 fiscal year took place on July 26, 2022, and the second took place on November 16, 2022. The first meeting of the 2023 to 2024 fiscal year took place on June 21, 2023. Discussions focused on progress towards achieving the objectives of the Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement, including: affordability, access, quality, the Early Childhood Educator workforce, and inclusion initiatives. The second bilateral and stakeholder meetings of the 2023 to 2024 fiscal year will take place on December 11 and 12, 2023, respectively.

Action Plan status

The 2023 to 2024 to 2025 to 2026 Canada-wide Action Plan has not yet been announced.

3.c. Early Childhood Education Workforce, Wages and Benefits

Issue

Qualifications and shortages of early childhood educators (ECEs).

Background

Key facts

Key messages

If pressed on specific measures supported by the Canada-wide ELCC Agreements to address workforce challenges, please refer to Annex A, which contains a breakdown of actions taken by jurisdiction.

Annex A: Breakdown of ECE Initiatives by Jurisdiction (except Quebec)

Yukon
Northwest Territories
Nunavut
British Columbia
Alberta
Saskatchewan
Manitoba
Ontario
New Brunswick
Nova Scotia
Prince Edward Island
Newfoundland and Labrador

3.d. Impact of Inflation and the Canada-Wide ELCC System

Issue

Impact of inflation on the Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) system.

Background

Key facts

Key messages

4. Social and economic improvement - Hot issues

4.a. National School Food Policy

Issue

Commitment to develop a National School Food Policy and to work toward a national school nutritious meal program.

Background

Key facts

Key messages

4.b. Poverty Reduction Strategy

Issue

Canada’s Poverty Reduction Strategy, Opportunity for All, sets a target of reducing poverty by 50% by 2030, relative to 2015 levels (enshrined via the Poverty Reduction Act (2019)).

Background

Key facts

Key messages

If pressed on actions taken to make life more affordable

4.c. Social Finance Fund

Issue

This paper summarizes recent developments in the implementation of the Social Finance Fund.

Background

Key facts

Key messages

4.d. Affordability and poverty

Issue

This note highlights recent poverty trends in Canada and expected impacts of higher inflation rates on Canada’s overall poverty rate.

Background

Key facts

Key messages and Q/As

Why did poverty rates increase in 2021?

  1. The COVID-19 pandemic led to considerable work interruptions and income losses in Canada in 2020 and 2021. As a result, 2020 was a year of unprecedented government intervention in the form of temporary emergency income supports, such as the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB), the Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB) and top-ups to the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) and the GST/HST credit
  2. The increase in poverty rates between 2020 and 2021 reflects the end of major temporary emergency pandemic benefits made available in 2020, including those provided at the federal, provincial/territorial and local levels. It also reflects the onset of higher inflation rates in 2021, which contributed to higher costs of living

Will poverty rates increase in 2022 as well?

  1. Official poverty rates for 2022 and 2023 will be available in early 2024 and 2025, respectively
  2. In January 2023, Statistics Canada estimated that Canada’s overall poverty rate could increase to 9.8% in 2022 (the 2021 poverty rate was estimated at 7.4%). It is important to note that these estimates are based on a predictive model and could differ significantly from official poverty rates

What government programs help support populations in need?

  1. The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) provides support to over 3.5 million families and over 6 million children, putting close to $25 billion, tax free, in the hands of Canadian families each year. Overall, there were approximately 650,000 fewer children living in poverty in 2021 than in 2015
  2. In July 2022, ESDC implemented a 10 percent increase for Old Age Security (OAS) payments for seniors 75 years and older, providing more than $800 in new support to full pensioners over the first year, and increased benefits for more than 3 million seniors. This is in addition to the enhancement of the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) in 2016, which increased the amount received by up to $947 annually for the most vulnerable single seniors and helped improve the financial security of 900,000 seniors. Old Age Security (OAS) retirement benefits continue to be indexed quarterly to help keep up with the rising cost of living
  3. In 2019, the Government introduced the new Canada Workers Benefit (CWB), a refundable tax credit that helps supplement the earnings of low-income workers. Budget 2021 expanded the CWB to support about 1 million more Canadians. The CWB now reaches 3 million low- and modest-income workers, both employed and self-employed
  4. In Budget 2023, the Government committed to provide $13 billion over 5 years, starting in 2023 to 2024, and $4.4 billion ongoing, to implement the Canadian Dental Care Plan. The Plan will provide dental coverage for uninsured Canadians with annual family income of less than $90,000. In the meantime, to help struggling families of children under 12, the Government launched the Canada Dental Benefit providing up to $1,300 over 2 years. The program has helped almost 380,000 children under 12 access dental care and stay healthy as of October 11, 2023
  5. Finally, ESDC has recently introduced the Canada-wide Early Learning and Childcare (ELCC) system and is currently engaged in work to develop the Canada Disability Benefit, which will provide much needed support to Canadians living with disabilities

What has the Government of Canada done to help address recent affordability challenges?

  1. While inflation has fallen significantly from its peak, higher prices are still putting pressure on Canadians. That is why, over the past year, the federal government has taken further action to make life more affordable for those who need it most. These measures have included:
    1. doubling the GST Credit for 6 months in the fall of 2022
    2. a new Grocery Rebate in July 2023, which provided hundreds of dollars in targeted inflation relief to 11 million Canadians and families
    3. delivering the first enhanced, quarterly Canada Workers Benefit payments on July 28, 2023 to our lowest-paid—and often most essential—workers, with a family receiving up to $2,461 this year
    4. making it more affordable to go to college and university by permanently eliminating interest on Canada Student Loans and Canada Apprentice Loans, and increasing up-front Canada Student Grants from $3,000 to $4,200 for the 2023 school year
    5. a tax-free payment of $500 to help low-income Canadians who are struggling with the cost of rent and
    6. direct, tax-free payments of up to $1,300 per child over 2 years through the Canada Dental Benefit for uninsured families earning less than $90,000 per year to cover the cost of dental care for kids under 12, supporting more than 380,000 children to date
  2. And the most recent Fall Economic Statement we have taken further measures to make life more affordable, including:
    1. build more affordable housing with an additional $1 billion over 3 years for the Affordable Housing Fund
    2. help more households make the switch to Electric Heat Pumps

Given the success of temporary emergency and recovery income supports in mitigating poverty in 2020, will the government consider introducing a basic income?

  1. Programs such as the Canadian Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) were introduced on a short-term basis to provide support to Canadians who were unable to work and experienced a sudden loss of income because of the pandemic
  2. The emergency and recovery programs provided by the government were designed to provide swift and temporary support to those who qualified but were not designed to serve as a basic income
  3. It should be noted that some of the Government’s programs have many features of a partial basic income for specific groups, such as families and seniors. This includes the Canada Child Benefit (CCB), which provides substantial income support to families raising children
  4. For Canadian seniors, the Old Age Security (OAS) program plays a significant role in providing income security. OAS benefits are intended to provide partial income security for seniors in recognition of the contributions they have made to Canadian society and the economy. OAS recipients with little to no income, other than the OAS pension, are eligible for additional assistance through the Guaranteed Income Supplement
  5. We will continue to monitor research and analysis on basic income and will continue to explore potential shorter and longer-term policy responses to address the needs of Canadians

5. Supplementary Estimates B

5.a. 2023 to 2024 Supplementary Estimates B overview

Issue

Why does Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) require additional authorities in the Supplementary Estimates (B) for fiscal year ending March 31, 2024?

Key facts

Supplementary Estimates seek parliamentary approval for changes to departmental spending plans for the current fiscal year.

ESDC is requesting a total of $409.7 million in additional authorities through the Supplementary Estimates (B).

Response

ESDC is requesting adjustments for:

Table: Voted Appropriations (in dollars)
A. Voted Appropriations Operating
Vote 1		 Grants and Contributions
Vote 5		 Total
1. Funding to invest in Canada’s Labour Market Transfers (Budget 2023) 0 200,000,000 200,000,000
2. Funding to strengthen the foundations of the Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care system (Budget 2022) 0 75,000,000 75,000,000
3. Funding for the Benefits Delivery Modernization (reprofile) 54,225,747 0 54,225,747
4. Funding for the Community Workforce Development Program 803,675 19,001,090 19,804,765
5. Funding for the Temporary Foreign Worker Program Employer Compliance Regime (Budget 2023) 12,051,682 0 12,051,682
6. Funding for the Recognized Employer Pilot for the Temporary Foreign Worker Program 10,607,784 0 10,607,784
7. Funding to implement the Canada Disability Benefit (Budget 2023) (horizontal item) 10,465,642 0 10,465,642
8. Funding for government advertising programs (horizontal item) 6,350,000 0 6,350,000
9. Funding for infrastructure investments for Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care (horizontal item) 0 5,821,469 5,821,469
10. Funding to implement Canada's Indo-Pacific Strategy (horizontal item) 349,053 4,582,787 4,931,840
11. Funding for the Social Development Partnerships Program Disability component (Budget 2023) 575,773 4,271,000 4,846,773
12. Funding to improve the death notification process (Budget 2023) 4,080,022 0 4,080,022
13. Funding for procurement activities related to Canada.ca (Budget 2023) 3,071,380 0 3,071,380
14. Funding for continuity of operations and to address the rise in infrastructure costs for 1 800 O‑Canada (Budget 2023) 2,515,707 0 2,515,707
15. Funding for the Nunavut Inuit Labour Force Analysis 1,195,085 0 1,195,085
16.1 Funding for additional capacity for Canada's Anti-Racism Strategy (Budget 2023) (horizontal item) 1,026,317 0 1,026,317
16.2 Funding for Canada's Anti-Racism Strategy (horizontal item) 477,956 0 477,956
Sub-total – 16. Funding for Canada's Anti-Racism Strategy (horizontal item) 1,504,273 0 1,504,273
Sub-total Voted Appropriations 107,795,823 308,676,346 416,472,169
Table: Transfers (in dollars)
B. Transfers Operating
Vote 1		 Grants and Contributions Vote 5 Total
17. From various organizations to the Treasury Board Secretariat for the financial community developmental programs and initiatives -10,000 0 -10,000
18. From various organizations to the Treasury Board Secretariat to support the Capacity Accelerator Project -30,000 0 -30,000
19. From the Department of Employment and Social Development to the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development in support of the Duke of Edinburgh Commonwealth Study Conference -500,000 0 -500,000
20. From the Department of Employment and Social Development to Shared Services Canada for the cost of providing core information technology services -726,572 0 -726,572
21. From the Department of Employment and Social Development to the Department of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs to support Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care 0 -12,967,381 -12,967,381
Sub-total Transfers -1,266,572 -12,967,381 -14,233,953
Table: Budgetary Statutory Authorities (in dollars)
C. Budgetary Statutory Authorities Total
22. Contributions to employee benefit plans 7,508,981
Sub-total Budgetary Statutory Authorities 7,508,981

Table: Summary of Total Budgetary Authorities (in dollars)

Background

A. Voted appropriations
1. Funding to invest in Canada’s Labour Market Transfers (Budget 2023) – $200.0 million

Budget 2023 announced funding of $200.0 million for 2023 to 2024 to maintain investments from Budget 2017 for the design and delivery of programs tailored to local labour market conditions, which ended on March 31, 2023, under the bilateral Workforce Development Agreements (WDAs) with provinces and territories. The WDAs enable provinces and territories to provide skills training and employment programming with a focus on those further removed from the labour market and those wishing to upskill. The WDAs can assist individuals regardless of their employment status. The 1-year extension was approved to avoid a significant drop in funding and allow time for the Government of Canada (GoC) to work bilaterally with provinces and territories to negotiate new modernized agreements.

ESDC is requesting authority to include $200,000,000 in Vote 5 (Grants and contributions) to invest in Canada’s Labour Market Transfers as part of the 2023 to 2024 Supplementary Estimates (B).

2. Funding to strengthen the foundations of the Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care system (Budget 2022) – $75.0 million

Budget 2022 proposed to provide $625 million over 4 years, starting in 2023 to 2024, to support an Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) Infrastructure Fund and to enable provinces and territories to make further child care infrastructure investments that support greater inclusion in the Canada-wide ELCC system for underserved communities or communities with barriers to access.

The ELCC Infrastructure Fund will exclusively support not-for-profit and public, regulated early child care providers in recognition of the unique challenges they face in accessing capital funding. ESDC is working with provinces and territories to allocate the funding.

ESDC is requesting authority to include $75,000,000 in Vote 5 (Grants and contributions) to further invest in the Canada-wide ELCC system as part of the 2023 to 2024 Supplementary Estimates (B).

3. Funding for the Benefits Delivery Modernization (reprofile) – $54.2 million

The Benefits Delivery Modernization (BDM) Programme is the largest Information Technology (IT) transformation initiative ever undertaken by the GoC. The goal of BDM is to modernize the technology that administers Old Age Security (OAS), Employment Insurance (EI) and Canada Pension Plan (CPP). Improving the delivery of OAS, EI and CPP benefits includes changing the way in which users interact with the systems and will result in a modern, digital client experience for ESDC and our citizens.

The $54.2 million is a reprofile of funds that were approved to be spent in 2022 to 2023, as per Budget 2021 and a 2022 off-cycle decision, to be transferred to 2023–24. As a result of delays during the contracting phase, the OAS contractor was onboarded later than expected. Consequently, the work could not be completed in the timeframe that was initially planned. Despite the delay, the first release of OAS on BDM was deployed in June 2023, and the expected full migration of OAS onto the new platform remains on track for December 2024 followed by a nine-month stabilization period.

ESDC is requesting authority to include $54,225,747 in Vote 1 (Operating expenditures), which will be held in a special purpose allotment, to complete the work required to onboard OAS onto BDM successfully as part of the 2023 to 2024 Supplementary Estimates (B).

4. Funding for the Community Workforce Development Program – $19.8 million

The Fall Economic Statement 2022 announced $60 million over 3 years, starting in 2023 to 2024, to create new supplemental supports to existing federal and provincial or territorial programming.

The funding will support displaced workers impacted by a mass layoff in their community to get the training, support and work experiences needed to transition to local jobs in emerging and growth areas through the Community Workforce Development Program (CWDP).

The CWDP places communities at the heart of determining their economic futures by accelerating job creation, skills training, and re-employment and deployment of displaced workers from declining industries to growth areas in support of local business and economic development opportunities.

ESDC is requesting authority to include $803,675 in Vote 1 (Operating expenditures, excluding employee benefit plans (EBP) costs of $170,043) and $19,001,090 in Vote 5 (Grants and contributions) for the Community Workforce Development Program as part of the 2023 to 2024 Supplementary Estimates (B).

5. Funding for the Temporary Foreign Worker Employer Compliance Regime (Budget 2023) – $12.1 million

Budget 2023 proposed $48.2 million for ESDC over 2 years (2023 to 2024 and 2024 to 2025) to improve the employer compliance regime under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), including more program inspectors and maintenance of the worker protection tip line.

This funding will allow ESDC to continue making improvements to the quality of inspections and hold employers accountable for the treatment of workers, as announced in Budget 2022.

Temporary foreign workers are an important source of labour in Canada and are vital in supporting the Canadian economy. While temporary foreign workers have the same workplace protections and rights as Canadians and permanent residents, their temporary status makes them more vulnerable to exploitation and abuse. For this reason, the TFWP’s compliance regime is fundamental to safeguarding worker rights and protection.

ESDC is requesting authority to include $12,051,682 in Vote 1 (Operating expenditures, excluding EBP costs of $2,391,853) to improve the Employer Compliance Regime under the TFWP as part of the 2023 to 2024 Supplementary Estimates (B).

6. Funding for the Recognized Employer Pilot for the Temporary Foreign Worker Program – $10.6 million

As announced in Budget 2022, Recognized Employer Pilot (REP) under the TFWP will test whether a more rigorous upfront application process for repeat employers in high-demand sectors would result in administrative efficiencies for stakeholders, while not undermining efforts to improve worker protections.

REP is a 3 year pilot program designed to be more responsive to established labour market shortages and reduce administrative burden for repeat employers who meet the highest standards for wages, working and living conditions and worker protection.

ESDC is requesting authority to include $10,607,784 in Vote 1 (Operating expenditures, excluding EBP costs of $2,020,364) for the REP under the TFWP as part of the 2023 to 2024 Supplementary Estimates (B).

7. Funding to implement the Canada Disability Benefit (Budget 2023) (horizontal item) – $10.5 million

In 2020, the Government committed to implementing the Canada Disability Benefit. The benefit will supplement existing federal and provincial/territorial disability supports and help reduce poverty for working-age persons with disabilities.

In June 2023, the Canada Disability Benefit Act received Royal Assent and became law. With this legislation, the Government is delivering on its commitment to build a disability-inclusive Canada. The benefit is a cornerstone of the Disability Inclusion Action Plan and is intended to reduce poverty and increase the financial security of working-age persons with disabilities.

Budget 2023 provided $21.5 million to ESDC to support initial implementation, including supporting the development of the administration of the benefit and to support engagement with the disability community and provinces and territories on the regulatory process. $9 million of the Budget 2023 amount is for the Canada Revenue Agency to provide relevant information.

ESDC is requesting authority to include $10,465,642 in Vote 1 (Operating expenditures; excluding EBP costs of $1,771,860) to continue the work and laying the necessary groundwork on the future delivery of the Canada Disability Benefit as part of the 2023 to 2024 Supplementary Estimates (B).

8. Funding for government advertising programs (horizontal item) – $6.4 million

In line with Budget 2023 commitments, some of the GoC’s goals are to:

To inform Canadians of policies, programs, services and initiatives, the funding will be allocated to 4 advertising campaigns, as follows:

ESDC is requesting authority to include $6,350,000 in Vote 1 (Operating expenditures), which will be held in a special purpose allotment, for government advertising programs as part of the 2023 to 2024 Supplementary Estimates (B).

9. Funding for infrastructure investments for Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care (horizontal item) – $5.8 million

Budget 2021 committed $2.5 billion over 5 years and $542 million ongoing in new investments towards the Indigenous ELCC Transformation Initiative to ensure that more Indigenous families have access to high-quality, culturally-appropriate programming. The commitment included $420 million to build and maintain new early learning and child care centres in additional communities.

The funding will support the creation of Indigenous ELCC spaces through building and replacing sites, which will support the Transformation Initiative's goal to expand access to high quality and culturally relevant Indigenous ELCC and it will be managed in partnership with First Nations, Inuit and the Métis Nation.

ESDC is requesting authority to include $5,821,469 in Vote 5 (Grants and contributions) for infrastructure investments for Indigenous ELCC as part of the 2023 to 2024 Supplementary Estimates (B).

10. Funding to implement Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy (horizontal item) – $4.9 million

The Government, in the Fall Economic Statement 2022, has announced $5 million annually over 5 years starting in 2023 to 2024 for Technical Assistance to support Trade and Labour Compliance as part of Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy (IPS). With this funding, ESDC will provide greater technical assistance to Indo-Pacific trading partners to improve the enforcement of labour provisions, including on forced labour, in current and future free trade agreements with Canada.

Specifically, this funding will help protect workers’ rights, ensure companies are respecting human rights in their supply chains and contribute to levelling the playing field for Canadian workers and employers.

ESDC is requesting authority to include $349,053 in Vote 1 (Operating expenditures, excluding EBP costs of $59,365) and $4,582,787 in Vote 5 (Grants and contributions) to implement Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy as part of the 2023 to 2024 Supplementary Estimates (B).

11. Funding for the Social Development Partnerships Program Disability component (Budget 2023) – $4.8 million

The Social Development Partnership Program – Disability (SDPP-D) supports projects aimed at improving the participation and integration of persons with disabilities in all aspects of Canadian society. It does so by increasing the effectiveness of not-for-profit organizations that support persons with disabilities through projects that foster partnerships to address the systemic barriers faced by persons with disabilities.

Budget 2023 announced $10 million over 2 years to ESDC, beginning in 2023 to 2024, to help address the unique needs and ongoing barriers faced by persons with disabilities by investing in capacity building and the community level work of Canada’s disability organizations.

This funding will support projects aimed at strengthening the capacity of national disability organizations and promoting broader collaboration and partnerships amongst disability organizations across Canada to help achieve the Government’s vision for a barrier free Canada by 2040 and to support efforts to eliminate systemic barriers for persons with disabilities.

ESDC is requesting authority to include $575,773 in Vote 1 (Operating expenditures, excluding EBP costs of $133,456) and $4,271,000 in Vote 5 (Grants and contributions) for the Social Development Partnerships Program Disability component as part of the 2023 to 2024 Supplementary Estimates (B).

12. Funding to improve the death notification process (Budget 2023) – $4.1 million

As announced in Budget 2023, the funding will improve the Department's death notification process by finalizing the implementation of the Electronic Death Registration initiative to help provinces improve their death information sharing processes and reducing barriers to timely death notification processing within the GoC to ensure the timely receipt and use of death information data by Social Insurance Number enabled programs.

Each province and territory have their own death registration procedures which must be completed before the GoC is notified. Delays in receiving these notifications can range between 8 to 93 days depending on the complexity of the case. Individuals reporting a death to the GoC can sometimes experience a long and complex process. Moreover, there is an expectation that this information is shared in a timely fashion between federal, provincial and territorial governments. Many government departments and agencies (primarily ESDC and the Canada Revenue Agency) require timely death notification or a death certificate before they can suspend benefits payments or provide survivor benefits. ESDC is working with provinces and territories to reduce delays and to streamline processes to reduce the burden on individuals.

ESDC is requesting authority to include $4,080,022 in Vote 1 (Operating expenditures; excluding EBP costs of $306,731) to improve the death notification process as part of the 2023 to 2024 Supplementary Estimates (B).

13. Funding for procurement activities related to Canada.ca (Budget 2023) – $3.1 million

Canada.ca, administered by ESDC, is the main website for the GoC. It is a trusted, reliable and secure source of authoritative information for the public. The demand for access to information and services through Canada.ca has grown exponentially over the years.

The managed web service contract, which provides the infrastructure for Canada.ca will expire in 2029, with no possibility of extension. It must be re-procured in order to maintain uninterrupted service to Canadians.

As announced in Budget 2023, the funding will support the implementation of re-procurement and related activities of the Canada.ca platform to ensure that Canadians can access information they need about GoC benefits and services, without interruption to operations.

ESDC is requesting authority to include $3,071,380 in Vote 1 (Operating expenditures; excluding EBP costs of $223,157) for procurement activities related to Canada.ca as part of the 2023 to 2024 Supplementary Estimates (B).

14. Funding for continuity of operations and to address the rise in infrastructure costs for 1 800 O‑Canada (Budget 2023) – $2.5 million

ESDC administer on behalf of the GoC 1 800 O‑Canada, a single point of contact for Canadians to access timely, up-to-date government information over the phone. This service, which is delivered in both official languages and is accessible equally across all time zones in Canada, aims to improve the accessibility of information and services for many vulnerable clients who continue to access government benefits and services through the telephone service.

In 2018–19, 1.6 million calls were made to 1 800 O-Canada. Since 2021 to 2022, growth in call volume has trended at more than 2 million calls annually with no indication that volumes will return to pre-pandemic levels of demand.

Budget 2023 committed $2.5 million to address the rise in infrastructure costs as a result of increasing demand and inflation and to ensure continued services and availability of 1 800 O‑Canada so Canadians can access the information they need about GoC benefits and services when they need it.

ESDC is requesting authority to include $2,515,707 in Vote 1 (Operating expenditures; excluding EBP costs of $99,447) to address the rising costs of service delivery and infrastructure for 1 800 O-Canada contact centre as part of the 2023 to 2024 Supplementary Estimates (B).

15. Funding for the Nunavut Inuit Labour Force Analysis – $1.2 million

ESDC is responsible for maintaining the Nunavut Inuit Labour Force Analysis (NILFA), which is an obligation under Article 23 of the Nunavut Agreement. Given the previous funding mandate for the NILFA expired in March 2023, funding totaling $1.2 million is required for 2023 to 2024 to allow continuation of NILFA work, including large scale surveys and stakeholder engagement in Nunavut, as well as enhancements to enrich data sources and improve data quality.

The total cost of this initiative is $28.4 million over the ten-year period from 2023 to 2024 to 2032‑33. The source of funds is the Section 35 Rights Funding Envelope.

The GoC will continue to work in partnership with Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated (NTI), which represents Inuit on the Nunavut Agreement, and the Government of Nunavut on all NILFA activities.

ESDC is requesting authority to include $1,195,085 in Vote 1 (Operating expenditures) for the Nunavut Inuit Labour Force Analysis as part of the 2023 to 2024 Supplementary Estimates (B).

16. Funding for Canada’s Anti-Racism Strategy (horizontal item) – $1.5 million

Under Budget 2022, the Government has committed to deliver Canada’s new Anti-Racism Strategy and the country’s first ever Action Plan on Combatting Hate. Budget 2022 announced $110.4 million over 4 years starting in 2023 to 2024 and Budget 2023 announced $25.4 million over 5 years, starting in 2023 to 2024 and $0.6 million ongoing.

A portion of these funds will be used to support the operations and engagement activities of the Federal Anti-Racism Secretariat, which was transferred from Canadian Heritage to ESDC as of July 26, 2023. As a pillar of the Strategy, the Federal Anti-Racism Secretariat is tasked with driving the overall strategy, by leading federal institutions to identify and coordinate responsive initiatives, identify gaps, assist in developing new initiatives, and consider the impacts of new and existing policies, services and programs on communities and Indigenous Peoples.

ESDC is requesting authority to include $1,026,317 in Vote 1 (Operating expenditures, excluding EBP costs of $236,943) for additional capacity for Canada's Anti-Racism Strategy and $477,956 in Vote 1 (Operating expenditures, excluding EBP costs of $95,762) for Canada's Anti-Racism Strategy as part of 2023 to 2024 Supplementary Estimates (B).

B. Transfers
17. Transfer from various organizations to the Treasury Board Secretariat for financial community developmental programs and initiatives – Decrease of $10 thousand

Large departments and agencies contribute to fund the renewal and delivery of the development programs such as the Advanced Financial Officer Development (AFOD) Program, the Comptrollership Leadership Development Program (CLDP) and the Next Gen Deputy Chief Financial Officer (DCFO)/Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Within the Treasury Board Secretariat (TBS), the Office of the Comptroller General (OCG) centrally administers these developmental programs, which are delivered on behalf of the financial management community.

ESDC contributes to additional resources within the OCG who will be responsible to further strengthen recruitment efforts and continue to innovate and ensure relevance and alignment to the Data Strategy for the federal public service.

ESDC is requesting authority to include a transfer of $10,000 in Vote 1 (Operating expenditures) to the TBS for financial community developmental programs and initiatives as part of the 2023 to 2024 Supplementary Estimates (B).

18. Transfer from various organizations to the Treasury Board Secretariat to support the Capacity Accelerator Project – Decrease of $30 thousand

The Office of the Comptroller General (OCG) is implementing a renewed vision for internal audit, which aims to reinforce the internal audit function’s role as a credible and timely assurance provider for the GoC.

While progress has been made through reallocation of resources within the OCG, additional capacity is required to meet the increased demand for services, and this is why ESDC and other government departments are contribution financially to OCG internal audit community service and initiatives.

With the support of ESDC and other departments, the OCG will strengthen the internal audit function across the government by providing ongoing advice and support in the areas of learning, recruitment, and retention; will oversee the development and implementation of a community diversity and inclusion action plan as well as lead the implementation of data strategy.

ESDC is requesting authority to include a transfer of $30,000 in Vote 1 (Operating expenditures) to the TBS for the Capacity Accelerator Project as part of the 2023 to 2024 Supplementary Estimates (B).

19. Transfer from the Department of Employment and Social Development to the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development in support of the Duke of Edinburgh Commonwealth Study Conference – Decrease of $0.5 million

ESDC and the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development (DFATD) have a cost sharing arrangement for the study tour component of the Duke of Edinburgh Commonwealth Study Conference.

DFATD will issue ESDC’s portion of the payment to the Duke of Edinburgh Commonwealth Study Conference, as they have the authority and expertise to issue financial contribution towards study tours or cultural events showcasing Canada's excellence in education in a multilateral context.

ESDC is requesting authority to include a transfer of $500,000 in Vote 1 (Operating expenditures) to the DFATD for the Duke of Edinburgh Commonwealth Study Conference as part of the 2023 to 2024 Supplementary Estimates (B).

20. Transfer from the Department of Employment and Social Development to Shared Services Canada for the cost of providing core information technology services – Decrease of $0.7 million

Fall Economic Statement 2020 announced funding to ensure ESDC had the capacity to effectively detect, investigate and address high-risk cases of abuse, misrepresentation and fraud for the Employment Insurance Emergency Response Benefit (EI-ERB). A portion of this funding was earmarked for Shared Services Canada (SSC) to support the delivery of core information technology services.

SSC’s portion of the funding was originally included within ESDC’s reference levels instead of being centrally withheld and accessed by SSC. This transfer in Supplementary Estimate (B) is to rectify the situation.

ESDC is requesting authority to include a transfer of $726,572 in Vote 1 (Operating expenditures) to SSC to support core technology operations, as part of the 2023 to 2024 Supplementary Estimates (B).

21. Transfer from the Department of Employment and Social Development to the Department of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs to support Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care –Decrease of $13.0 million

Under the Indigenous ELCC Transformation Initiative, Indigenous partners have the flexibility to request that some or all of their funding be advanced through existing funding agreements with federal departments that deliver Indigenous ELCC programs. These departments include ESDC, Indigenous Services Canada, the Public Health Agency of Canada, and Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC).

This approach supports commitments to flexibility and streamlined service delivery outlined in the Indigenous ELCC Framework co-developed with Indigenous partners. The Indigenous ELCC Framework sets a vision for a more comprehensive and coordinated system of ELCC grounded in Indigenous culture and ensure Indigenous partners are at the forefront of decision-making on funding allocations, plans and priorities.

The Kativik Regional Government (the Inuit regional authority for Nunavik in Quebec) and the Nunatsiavut Government (the Inuit Government in Newfoundland and Labrador) have requested that their Indigenous ELCC funding be advanced through their agreements with CIRNAC. This represents a total of $13.0 million.

ESDC is requesting authority to include a transfer of $12,967,381 in Vote 5 (Contributions) to the Department of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs to support Indigenous ELCC as part of the 2023 to 2024 Supplementary Estimates (B).

C. Statutory budgetary authorities
22. Contributions to employee benefit plans – Increase of $7.5 million

Contributions to employee benefit plans (EBP) include costs to the government for the employer’s matching contributions and payments to the Public Service Superannuation Plan, the Canada and the Quebec Pension Plans, death benefits, and the Employment Insurance Operating Account.

The increase of $7,508,981 is directly linked to the Vote 1 – Operating expenditures funding being requested through the Supplementary Estimates (B) for the voted appropriations items presented in Section A (items 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 16) above. The total EBP for each item is as follow:

Key quotes

Nil

Supplementary estimates B: contributors (table caption not in original binder)
Prepared by Key contact Approved by Date
Martine Rioux Senior Director, Planning and Expenditure Management, CFOB Brian Leonard
Deputy Chief Financial Officer – Corporate Financial Planning
[Redacted: phone number]		 Karen Robertson
Chief Financial Officer
[Redacted: phone number]		 November 3, 2023

5.b. 2023 to 2024 Supplementary Estimates B placemat

ESDC is requesting a total of $409.7 million in additional authorities through the Supplementary Estimates (B), which would bring the total planned spending to $186.4 billion.

Figure 1: ESDC Total Planned Spending and Estimates to Date
Figure 1: ESDC Total Planned Spending and Estimates to Date: description follows
Figure 1: Descriptive text

Figure on the left: ESDC total planned spending is $186.4 billion

  • EI Benefits planned spending is $23.8 billion or 12.8% of total planned spending
  • CPP Benefits planned spending is $62.3 billion or 33.4% of total planned spending
  • Other EI and CPP Recoveries and Workers Compensation planned spending is $3.6 billion or 1.9% of total planned spending
  • EI and CPP Operating Costs planned spending is $2.7 billion or 1.5% of total planned spending
  • Estimates to date, representing Main Estimates plus Supplementary Estimates A plus Supplementary Estimates B, is $94.0 billion or 50.4% of total planned spending

Figure on the right: ESDC Estimates to date, representing the proposed authorities to date, is $94.0 billion

  • Statutory planned spending is 82.4 billion or 88% of total Estimates to date
  • Vote 1 – Operating Expenditures planned spending is $1.5 billion or 1% of total Estimates to date
  • Vote 5 – Grants and Contributions planned spending is $10.1 billion or 11% of total Estimates to date

Of the $186.4 billion in planned spending, $94.0 billion is reported in the Estimates, out of which $92.5 billion are statutory and voted transfer payment programs. Here are a few programs included in ESDC’s Estimates to date:

Table: ESDC – Summary of Budgetary Authorities as reported in Supplementary Estimates (B) in millions of dollars

Of the $409.7 million requested through Supplementary Estimates (B), the following items fall under the responsibility of the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development:

6. Ministerial Mandate

6.a. Mandate Letter Tracker

Continue advancing the creation and sustainability of a Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care system, including:

Continue advancing the creation and sustainability of a Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care system – Progress 1

Agreements have been signed with all jurisdictions and include a fee reduction commitment, with the exception of Yukon and Quebec that were delivering regulated child care for $10-a-day or less prior to the Canada-wide ELCC system’s creation.

Six jurisdictions—Quebec, Yukon, Nunavut, Newfoundland and Labrador, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba— are now delivering regulated child care for an average of $10-a-day or less.

All jurisdictions have reduced fees for regulated child care by at least 50%.

As of November 24, 2023, provinces and territories have announced plans to create over 82,000 child care spaces under the Canada-wide agreements. However, the Department of Employment and Social Development has not verified the creation of these spaces. The actual number of spaces created will be verified as part of the annual reporting process outlined in the Canada-wide Agreements.

Bilateral agreements with provinces and territories all contain commitments, except Quebec, to support a qualified ECE workforce, such as wage grids for educators and initiatives to increase the percentage of certified ECEs.

The negotiation of 2023 to 2024 to 2025 to 2026 action plans for each province and territory (except Quebec and Ontario) is underway. Action plans have been finalized and announced for Nunavut and Manitoba.). Ontario’s 2023 to 2024 action plan is already in place and Quebec’s asymmetrical agreement does not require an action plan.

Continue advancing the creation and sustainability of a Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care system – Next steps 2

Implementation Committees with provinces and territories (except Quebec) will continue to report to the Government of Canada and their respective jurisdictions on progress to date on shared ELCC goals.

Negotiation of Ontario’s next action plan will begin in fiscal year 2024 to 2025, per the terms of the province’s Canada-wide Agreement.

Provinces and territories are required to report annually on progress toward shared goals, which is expected in October of each year.

Advance work with provinces and territories to reduce fees for families for before and after school care

Advance work with provinces and territories to reduce fees for families for before and after school care – Progress 1

On October 14, 2022, the 2022 Survey on Before-and-After-School Care in Canada was released, providing a snapshot of before-and after-school care services and use across the country.

Advance work with provinces and territories to reduce fees for families for before and after school care – Next steps 2

Work continues with provinces and territories to explore options to support them in reducing before-and-after-school care fees alongside existing Canada-wide ELCC investments, including through research and the monitoring of results of the current bilateral agreements.

Work with Indigenous partners to ensure that Indigenous children have access to a culturally appropriate Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care system that meets the needs of Indigenous families wherever they live, including creating 3,300 new child care spaces

Work with Indigenous partners to ensure that Indigenous children have access to a culturally appropriate Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care system that meets the needs of Indigenous families wherever they live, including creating 3,300 new child care spaces – Progress 1

Implementation is underway with Indigenous and federal delivery partners and with provinces and territories to ensure that children have access to culturally appropriate Indigenous ELCC programs and services that meet the needs of Indigenous families wherever they live

Co-developed annual plans identifying priority areas of investment continue to be implemented on a rolling basis and are guiding investments in Indigenous ELCC programs and services that are reaching over 35,000 Indigenous children. Early priorities include enhancing operating funding at ELCC centres, which supports training and retaining a skilled workforce and curriculum development to enable high-quality, culturally relevant Indigenous ELCC programming in a variety of settings

Funding to support before- and after-school programming is being delivered through Indigenous Services Canada’s Elementary and Secondary Education Program

Discussions continue to advance among willing provincial and territorial governments, Indigenous governments and partners to identify shared priorities in the development of a Canada-wide ELCC system

Engagement is underway with Indigenous governments to identify Infrastructure priorities, with funding from Budget 2021. Following a re-reprofile in Budget 2023, the funding for new IELCC infrastructure investments is now $441 million over 4 years (2023 to 2024 to 2026 to 27) and $21.63M ongoing, with a 3% annual escalator applying as of 2027 to 2028 to support a growing Indigenous ELCC sector. These investments will help improve access to high quality, culturally appropriate ELCC programming for Indigenous children and families, and demonstrate progress towards the creation of 3,300 new spaces

Departments have funded over 500 proposals for repairs and renovations for existing federally funded daycares and Head Start centres between 2022 to 2023 and 2024 to 2025

A new call for proposals for quality improvement projects was closed on April 14, 2023. Details are expected to be shared publicly in early 2024

Work with Indigenous partners to ensure that Indigenous children have access to a culturally appropriate Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care system that meets the needs of Indigenous families wherever they live, including creating 3,300 new child care spaces – Next steps 2

Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) will:

Advance the implementation of the Community Services Recovery Fund (CSRF)

Advance the implementation of the Community Services Recovery Fund (CSRF) – Progress 1

After concluding a public solicited Call for Proposals, 3 organizations—the Canadian Red Cross, Community Foundations of Canada and United Way Centraide Canada—were selected to act as National Funders to redistribute funds to charities and non-profits. Contribution agreements were signed with the National Funders in early November, and they were publicly announced on November 22, 2022.

On February 6, 2023, ESDC finalized the Canada-Quebec agreement outlining the terms and conditions under which the program will be implemented in Quebec, and obtained the M-30 exemption for Quebec based Community Service Organizations applying for CSRF funding.

On June 30, 2023, the National Funders provided a complete list of funded Community Services Recovery Fund projects to ESDC, and the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development announced the funding and number of projects in August 2023.

Advance the implementation of the Community Services Recovery Fund (CSRF) – Next steps 2

Community service organizations will implement funded projects by June 30, 2024.

National Funders are expected to provide their final reports in fall 2024, and a summative evaluation is expected to be completed by March 2025.

Deliver Canada’s Poverty Reduction Strategy

Deliver Canada’s Poverty Reduction Strategy – Progress 1

ESDC has continued to support the National Advisory Council on Poverty. In November 2023, the Council’s membership was renewed. In addition to the 4 existing members, 5 new members were confirmed. In October 2023, the 2023 report of the National Advisory Council on Poverty was tabled in Parliament.

The Poverty Reduction Strategy sets a goal of a 20 per cent reduction in poverty by 2020, and a 50 per cent reduction in poverty by 2030, relative to 2015 levels. The 2030 goal is aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals on poverty (SDG 1 – No Poverty).

Canada has met its interim target of reducing poverty by 20 per cent by 2020, relative to 2015 levels.

From 2015 to 2021, close to 2.3 million Canadians, including 653,000 children and 11,000 seniors – have been lifted out of poverty.

On May 2, 2023, results from the 2021 Canadian Income Survey were released, including poverty rates. Results from the 2021 Canadian Income Survey show that the overall poverty rate in Canada, as measured by Canada’s Official Poverty Line, was 7.4 per cent in 2021, up from 6.4% in 2020.

The 2021 rate represents a 49 per cent decrease in the overall poverty rate compared to 2015 (14.5 per cent), the baseline year for Canada’s legislated poverty reduction targets.

The increase in the overall poverty rate between 2020 and 2021 reflects the phaseout of key temporary COVID-19 emergency income supports provided in 2020, most notably the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB), as well as the onset of higher inflation rates in 2021. Approximately 400,000 more Canadians were living in poverty in 2021 compared to 2020.

The Government of Canada has introduced several key measures since 2015 to support the social and economic well-being of all Canadians including the Canada Child Benefit, Old Age Security and Guaranteed Income Supplements for Canadians aged 65 years and older. These, and other more recent measures announced in Budget 2023 and the Fall Economic Statement, will contribute to Canada’s poverty reduction strategy.

Deliver Canada’s Poverty Reduction Strategy – Next steps 2

ESDC will continue to monitor a number of trends in the economy and government policy changes that may impact poverty rates, including the impact of recent increases in the cost of living.

In spring 2024, results from the 2022 Canadian Income Survey will report on official poverty rates for 2022.

ESDC will continue to support the work of the National Advisory Council on Poverty.

ESDC will continue to collaborate with federal government departments and agencies on exploring programs and services that could contribute to poverty reduction.

The next progress report of the National Advisory Council on Poverty will be presented in September 2024, and thereafter tabled in each House of Parliament on any of the first 15 days on which that House is sitting after the Minister receives the report.

Continue leading implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development adopted by the United Nations

Continue leading implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development adopted by the United Nations – Progress 1

In July 2022, Canada’s 2021 Annual Report on progress related to the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) was released, and Minister Gould led Canada’s delegation to the United Nations Forum on Sustainable Development.

In December 2022, the Canada.ca 2030 Agenda webpage was updated to inform Canadians of the federal government’s work to advance the 2030 Agenda and its SDGs.

In July 2023, Canada submitted the 2nd Voluntary National Review (VNR) to the UN at the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development, which highlights Canada's progress, lessons learned and challenges in implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the 17 SDGs at home and abroad since Canada's 1st VNR in 2018. The Minister of Families, Children and Social Development led the Canadian Delegation to HLPF, delivered Canada’s National Statement and presented key results from Canada’s 2nd VNR.

The SDGs Funding Program Call for Proposals was launched in November.

Continue leading implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development adopted by the United Nations – Next steps 2

Planning for Canada’s second Annual Report on its implementation of the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals is underway. Publication is targeted for June-July 2024.

ESDC will continue to collaborate with Environment and Climate Change Canada to identify opportunities to better align processes for implementing sustainable development.

ESDC is collaborating with the Privy Council Office and Global Affairs Canada in supporting the Prime Minister’s role as the Co-chair of the SDG Advocates Group (January 2022 to December 2023) of the UN to ensure consistency in Canada’s SDG narrative and in identifying engagement opportunities for the Prime Minister.

From the open SDGs Funding Program Call for Proposals, the department is aiming to have agreements in place by the summer of 2024.

The department is working to establish an External Advisory Committee (EAC) of experts who will provide independent, informal advice to ESDC and GAC in implementing the 2030 Agenda. A first meeting of the EAC is expected to take place in winter 2024.

Supported by the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-food Canada, develop a National School Food Policy and work toward a national school nutritious meal program

Supported by the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-food Canada, develop a National School Food Policy and work toward a national school nutritious meal program – Progress 1

Since 2022, meetings have taken place with stakeholders and experts (i.e., national and regional service providers, school boards and administrators, nutrition experts, academics, parents, and municipalities), Indigenous partners, as well as with representatives from provinces and territories.

An online questionnaire was launched in fall 2022 to seek the views of all Canadians on a National School Food Policy. The questionnaire garnered over 5,200 responses from parents, teachers, school administrators, service delivery providers, and interested organizations.

Over the summer, ESDC supported 3 school food engagement sessions with children and youth in order to gather their insights and perspectives to support the development of a National School Food Policy.

A ‘What We Heard’ report was released on October 31, 2023, summarizing the views and perspectives gathered through initial engagement with stakeholders, children and Canadians on a National School Food Policy.

ESDC is also seeking to engage with First Nations, Inuit and Métis partners to gauge interest, perspectives and needs with regard to a National School Food Policy.

Supported by the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-food Canada, develop a National School Food Policy and work toward a national school nutritious meal program – Next steps 2

Engagement will continue with stakeholders, provinces and territories, and Indigenous partners in order to inform the development of a National School Food Policy and explore how more children in Canada can receive nutritious food at school.

Supported by the Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Youth, ensure the voices and needs of children are represented in the Government's agenda

Supported by the Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Youth, ensure the voices and needs of children are represented in the Government's agenda – Progress 1

ESDC has been working with Women and Gender Equality Canada, as well as with other federal departments on how best to advance efforts related to children and youth.

ESDC participated in an engagement session with youth facilitated by the Canadian Coalition for the Rights of Children and several federal departments. Discussions focused on how to improve the process for Canada’s implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and priority areas for greater implementation of children’s rights in Canada.

ESDC is also leveraging existing initiatives to better incorporate the voices and needs of children. For example:

Supported by the Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Youth, ensure the voices and needs of children are represented in the Government's agenda – Next steps 2

ESDC will continue working with Women and Gender Equality and Youth and other federal departments to identify, engage in and support children-focused activities and initiatives across the Government of Canada.

ESDC will continue to support Canadian Heritage in their work to advance an Online Harms policy and legislation.

ESDC will continue to support the department of Justice by sharing and raising awareness of their new Child Impact Assessment (CRIA) tool and training.

Supporting the Minister of Mental Health and Additions and the Associate Minister of Health, ensure mental health supports are accessible to children and youth as they recover from the impact of the pandemic

Supporting the Minister of Mental Health and Additions and the Associate Minister of Health, ensure mental health supports are accessible to children and youth as they recover from the impact of the pandemic – Progress 1

Through the Health Portfolio, the Government of Canada funded a number of projects following Budget 2021 that promote mental health in populations disproportionately affected by COVID, including children and youth.

Budget 2023 confirmed that the government will provide $25B over 10 years for shared health priorities through tailored bilateral agreements to support provincial and territorial needs and circumstances in 4 priority areas including mental heath and substance use. This funding could be leveraged/ allocated to support child and youth mental health, including expansion of IYS sites, perinatal mental health, and post-secondary students and institutions.

Supporting the Minister of Mental Health and Additions and the Associate Minister of Health, ensure mental health supports are accessible to children and youth as they recover from the impact of the pandemic – Next steps 2

ESDC will continue working with Women and Gender Equality and Youth and Health Canada, Mental Health and Addictions on options to support the mental health of children and youth.

Met commitments

Advance implementation of the Community Services Recovery Fund

Date met 1

June 30, 2023

Note 2

The commitment was met on June 30, 2023, when National Funders provided a completed list of successful applicants to ESDC. Final reports by National Funders expected in late 2024.

Reduce fees for regulated child care by 50 per cent on average by the end of 2022 everywhere outside of Quebec

Date met 1

March 31, 2023

Note 2

This commitment was met on March 31, 2023, when the last jurisdiction achieved the 50% fee reduction target for regulated child care.

Advance the Social Innovation and Social Finance Strategy, including fully implementing the Social Finance Fund and launching the Social Innovation Advisory Council

Date met 1

March 31, 2023

Note 2

This commitment was met on March 31, 2023, when the last jurisdiction achieved the 50% fee reduction target for regulated child care.

Reduce fees for regulated child care by 50 per cent on average by the end of 2022 everywhere outside of Quebec

Date met 1

March 31, 2023

Note 2

This commitment was met on March 31, 2023. This marked the completion of contributions being signed for the Investment Readiness Program and Social Science Fund, and the first meeting being held for the Social Innovation Council.

Introduce federal child care legislation to strengthen and protect a high-quality Canada-wide child care system

Date met 1

December 8, 2022

Note 2

This commitment was met when the legislation was introduced in the House of Commons on December 8, 2022.

Establish a National Advisory Council on Early Learning and Child Care

Date met 1

November 24, 2022

Note 2

This commitment was met when the National Advisory Council on Early Learning and Child Care was announced on November 24, 2022.

Conclude negotiations and implement agreements for a Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care system

Date met 1

March 27, 2022

Note 2

This commitment was met on March 27, 2022, following the completion of Canada-wide agreements with the P/Ts and the distribution of funding.

Work with Indigenous partners to support before and after school care for First Nations children on reserve

Date met 1

September 1, 2021

Note 2

This commitment was met on September 1, 2021, following the completion of ESDC's contributions towards this initiative, and the transfer to Indigenous Services Canada's responsibility for oversight of funding implementation.

Ensure the Federal Secretariat on Early Learning and Child Care is fully resourced and operational by early 2023

Date met 1

August 4, 2021

Note 2

The commitment was met on August 4, 2021 with the public launch of the Secretariat.

Budgetary Authorities Approved Authorities to Date Supplementary Estimates B Proposed Authorities to Date (Estimates to Date)
Vote 1 - Operating 1,367.2 106.5 1,473.7
Vote 5 - Grants and Contributions 9,821.7 295.7 10,117.4
Total Voted Authorities 11,188.9 402.2 11,591.1
Statutory 82,364.9 7.5 82,372.4
Total Budgetary Authorities 93,553.8 409.7 93,963.5

Of the $409.7 million requested through Supplementary Estimates (B), the following items fall under the responsibility of the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development:

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