News & Stories: Policy Monitor

Excerpt: "The Ontario government is delivering on its plan to protect Ontario by opening 18,300 new student spaces and 1,130 licensed child care spaces this fall in communities across the province. Through an investment of over $1 billion, 35 new and expanded schools will support growing communities by giving students the modern learning spaces they need to succeed in their studies and prepare for in-demand careers. The government is investing $30 billion over its 10-year plan to build, expand and renew schools across Ontario."

Excerpt: "This project will create meaningful opportunities for children and older adults to learn from one another, build relationships and stay connected, while giving families access to services where they live, work and gather. It's an exciting example of how community-focused infrastructure can support well-being, learning and a stronger sense of belonging across generations.” The Gray Family Centre will add about 20,650 sq. ft. to the Saul and Claribel Simkin Centre campus at 1 Falcon Ridge Dr. in Winnipeg’s Linden Ridge neighbourhood. The existing centre is a 200-bed personal care home that provides resident-focused care and support services with a connection to Winnipeg’s Jewish community. The Gray Family Centre will add an early learning centre, a multi-purpose gathering area for community programming and worship, a grand gallery, and wellness centre to the campus."

Excerpt: "The governments of Canada and Manitoba provided capital funding for three new or expanded child-care centres that have opened in Winnipeg, as well as start-up and operating funding for expansions in an additional 88 since late 2025, which created 728 new spaces. The Manitoba government also created 347 new school-aged spaces, the minister noted."

Excerpt: "Today, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario, announced the launch of a new initiative aimed at supporting the ECE workforce. Through an initiative funded under the Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program, the Government of Canada is investing up to $5.4 million until March 31, 2027, to support the hiring and retention of ECEs and remove barriers across Canada. Building on current efforts to support ECEs, this funding will help educators better meet the diverse needs of families and children across the country. The initiative will update the National Occupational Standards, improve labour market information, and modernize workforce tools to better reflect the evolving realities of ECEs. Together, these efforts will support career growth, mentorship, and professional development opportunities, helping more educators build long-term careers in the sector and support a strong, high-quality early learning and child care system."

Excerpt: "“People say they feel better and are better off when they have a job, so we are removing barriers to skills training,” said Sheila Malcolmson, B.C.’s Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction. “In partnership with the Government of Canada, we’re investing $253,653 to deliver hands-on training and work experience for people in Kamloops facing barriers to employment, including in child care.” Through the Community and Employer Partnerships program, the Province is providing the funding to the Kamloops-Cariboo Regional Immigrants Society to deliver the Kamloops Early Childhood Education Workforce Entry Project. Funded by the Government of Canada under the Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Development Agreement, the project will support 10 to 12 participants through workplace preparation, classroom instruction, practicum placements and career development supports."

Excerpt: "The report highlights several positive findings, such as stronger participation in early learning programs: approximately 85% of NWT four- and five-year-olds were enrolled in Junior Kindergarten or Kindergarten during the 2024-25 school year. At the same time, the report also reinforces that significant challenges remain. Student attendance and graduation outcomes continue to require attention, and improving these results remains a priority for the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) and the education system."

Excerpt: "“This expansion builds on that strong foundation, creating more opportunities for children to learn and grow in a supportive, inclusive environment through play, exploration and creativity. Investments like this are helping ensure more Nova Scotia families can access the high-quality child care they need to live, work and thrive in their communities.” The expanded centre, at 26 Lincoln St., is expected to open in July 2027 with an additional 10 infant spaces, 54 toddler spaces and 13 preschool spaces, for a total of 190 spaces."

Excerpt: "The Manitoba government is investing $3 million through the new Healthy Kids, Healthy Communities Play Structure Fund to support safe, accessible and high-quality playgrounds, Education and Early Childhood Learning Minister Tracy Schmidt announced today. “Every child deserves a safe and welcoming place to play, learn and connect with classmates,” said Schmidt. “This new fund will help ensure schools and communities across Manitoba have access to quality playgrounds, while easing the financial burden that has too often fallen on parents and volunteers. By investing in playgrounds, we are investing in healthy kids, stronger communities and better opportunities for children to be active and thrive.”"

Excerpt: "Today, at Navera Community Connections’ Rosewood Early Learning and Family Centre, the Honourable Buckley Belanger, Secretary of State for Rural Development, on behalf of the Honourable Anna Gainey, Secretary of State for Children and Youth, highlighted the program’s continued delivery of meaningful tax-free support to families. Starting this month, the CCB will provide families with up to $8,157 per child under the age of 6 and up to $6,883 per child aged 6 to 17. This represents an increase of up to $160 per child under age 6 and up to $135 per child aged 6 to 17 compared to the previous year, helping families manage everyday expenses such as groceries, clothing and child care."

Excerpt: "Starting this month, the CCB will provide families with up to $8,157 per child under the age of 6 and up to $6,883 per child aged 6 to 17. This represents an increase of up to $160 per child under age 6 and up to $135 per child aged 6 to 17 compared to the previous year, helping families manage everyday expenses such as groceries, clothing and child care. In Québec alone, the CCB provides over $6.2 billion in benefits to approximately 892,000 families each year, helping reduce financial pressures and contributing to the financial stability of households across the province."

Excerpt: "Starting this month, the CCB will provide families with up to $8,157 per child under the age of 6 and up to $6,883 per child aged 6 to 17. This represents an increase of up to $160 per child under age 6 and up to $135 per child aged 6 to 17 compared to the previous year, helping families manage everyday expenses such as groceries, clothing and child care. In Nova Scotia alone, the CCB provides over $761 million in benefits to approximately 96,000 families each year, helping reduce financial pressures and contributing to the financial stability of households across the province."

Excerpt: "Starting this month, the CCB will provide families with up to $8,157 per child under the age of 6 and up to $6,883 per child aged 6 to 17. This represents an increase of up to $160 per child under age 6 and up to $135 per child aged 6 to 17 compared to the previous year, helping families manage everyday expenses such as groceries, clothing and child care. In the Northwest Territories alone, the CCB provides over $37 million in benefits to approximately 4,500 families each year, helping reduce financial pressures and contributing to the financial stability of households across the Northwest Territories."