Investment will help make child care more accessible for families across the district
TIMMINS — The Ontario government is expanding licensed child care spaces in the District of Cochrane by investing $7.9 million in 2023 to support the implementation of the Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) system. This support delivers a significant reduction of child care fees for families by 50 per cent on average, saving families an annual average of $6,000 to $10,000 per child.
An additional 189 licensed child care spaces enrolled in the Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) system in Ontario will be created in the area by 2026. These new spaces for children aged zero to five will represent an 11.7 per cent increase of child care spaces available in the community – increasing access to more families across the district.
“We are delivering savings directly to families while increasing access to child care spaces for families across the District of Cochrane,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education. “Our government believes that child care should not be the cost of a mortgage payment, which is why we have already reduced child care fees by 50 per cent on average and continue to deliver on our commitment to build new child care spaces in areas that need them most.” These new spaces are on top of the 1,598 spaces enrolled in the CWELCC system in the District of Cochrane last year.
“For too long, families have faced long waitlists, a lack of child care options and high monthly child care fees. We know that offering better access to quality early learning and child care supports the health and well-being of so many children, parents, families, and communities across Canada,” added Jenna Sudds, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development. “By working together, we are delivering on our common vision for a high-quality, affordable, flexible and inclusive Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care system.”
Ontario remains committed to the success of the Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care system and will continue to work with municipalities and the sector to ensure affordable child care is available in communities where it is needed most.