Childcare fee target at risk: Five provinces won't hit $10-a-day by 2026
New analysis shows six of 13 provinces have met the $10-a-day childcare target, while Ontario, Alberta, B.C., Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick lag behind. Even with substantial fee reductions achieved, most families will still pay more than $10 daily for regulated care.
A comprehensive report from the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives released in late August 2026 reveals a mixed reality for the federal $10-a-day childcare program. Just six provinces and territories—Nunavut, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Quebec, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador—are meeting that fee target now.
The Provincial Divide
Five provinces—Ontario, Nova Scotia, Alberta, B.C., and New Brunswick—do not yet have plans to reduce fees to $10 a day. Despite this, fee drops for parents so far have been staggering in Ontario, Alberta and Nunavut, as these jurisdictions had let fees get far too high before the federal program.
Complexity varies by province: some charge a flat fee across all regulated childcare centres, while others use income-testing or regional pricing, making costs unpredictable for families shopping for care.
Implications for Newcomer Parents
If you're settling in Ontario, Alberta, B.C., Nova Scotia, or New Brunswick, plan to pay more than $10 per day for regulated childcare, especially for infant spaces. Research your specific board and centre, as fees vary widely even within provinces. Quebec families benefit from the lowest rates in Canada due to its pre-existing universal system. Use your province's childcare lookup tool or Early Learning Gateway portal to find available subsidized spaces—don't assume the "$10-a-day" headline applies to your region.
Sources
MyHAbroad is an independent app and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or representing any government or public authority. This is general information only — not legal, tax, medical, or financial advice. Always verify with the official source before acting:
