New Federal Investment in CWELCC: Still Negotiating Agreement in Ontario
On Friday, June 19, 2026, the Canadian federal government announced that it will invest up to $5.4 billion over two years (2026-27 and 2027-28) to maintain the current Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care system (CWELCC). The announcement stated that the additional funding will stabilize the program while federal, provincial, and territorial governments work together to strengthen CWELCC for the future.
The AECEO welcomes the announcement of this new investment, and the renewed commitment to sustaining CWELCC. “Alongside partners and allies, we've been calling for additional investment from all levels of government, and it’s great to see the federal government taking this step and recognizing the importance of the program,” said Amber Straker, Executive Director of the AECEO. “However, if we want to see CWELCC strengthened and expanded, additional federal and provincial funding that is specific to supporting the workforce is necessary.”
The lack of long-term investment means continued instability of CWELCC across the country. The situation is especially dire in Ontario as the provincial government is still in negotiations on a new agreement after the 2025-2026 1-year extension. There is an ongoing workforce crisis that has yet to be effectively addressed. The federal government and the Ontario government must sign a new agreement as soon as possible that includes dedicated funding to support the workforce. This should include funds to improve working conditions, develop and implement a wage grid for professional pay, and create benefit and pension plans for the workforce.
The AECEO has been leading the call for workforce improvements through the Care Counts, Wages Matter campaign. We continue to advocate for additional provincial and federal funding, including the implementation of decent working conditions and a wage grid for Registered Early Childhood Educators that starts at $35-45 an hour, $28 for non-RECE staff, and pension and benefit plans to provide the recognition and respect the workforce deserves. Only through these measures will we truly tackle the recruitment and retention crisis. It is time to value and fund early learning and child care for all.
For more information contact:
Amber Straker | Executive Director | [email protected]
Association of Early Childhood Educators Ontario | aeceo.ca