C-208Early Learning and Child Care Act

What it does

• Requires provinces to meet accountability, quality, universality and accessibility rules before they can receive federal early learning and child care transfer payments.
• Requires provincial programs to be run on a non-profit basis by a public authority, with accounts and financial records subject to audit by the province’s audit authority.
• Requires provinces to set standards for staff qualifications, training, support, pay, child-to-caregiver ratios, group size, health and safety, and child development.
• Requires standards and action plans for early learning and child care services in First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities that reflect those communities’ values and traditions.
• Requires each province to give every child resident access to appropriate early learning and child care services, including children with special needs.
• Requires the Minister to table an annual report and establish an 18-member advisory council with representatives from provinces, Indigenous organisations, and child care providers, professionals, parents and children.