This section will provide an in-depth description of how the federal government works to ensure that all parents and children have access to high quality early childhood education in all provinces. The regulations and standards of such services are outlined in Bill C-35 (i.e., The Canada Early Learning and Child Care Act) which will be discussed in detail within this page. The Early Learning and Child Care agreements will be briefly described as well but overall ECE policies/frameworks will be analyzed in the Provincial/territorial comparisons page as public school education falls solely under provincial authority.

How is Bill C-35 connected to ECE?

The written purpose of Bill C-35 is to highlight the federal government’s goal of a “Canada wide community based” education and learning framework. The bill achieved Royal Assent status in November of 2022 and shortly after the National Advisory Council on Early Learning and Child Care was founded. The council aims to ensure that both levels of government are implementing the objectives outlined in Bill C-35.

The bill declares to do the following in regards to early learning in Canada:

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“To support the establishment and maintenance of a Canada-wide early learning and child care system where families have access to affordable, inclusive and high quality early learning and child care services regardless of where they live.” (Bill C-35. 2024.)

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“To support the flexible early learning and child care programs and services that respond to the varying needs of children and diverse children families and communities.” (Bill C-35. 2024.)

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“Support the access to affordable early learning and child care programs and services to enable parents, guardians and tutors, especially mothers, to reach their full economic potential, which contributes to a strong economy and greater gender equality.” (Bill C-35. 2024.)

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The Early Learning and Child Care Agreements

Alongside Bill C-35 the federal government also has the Early Learning and Child Care agreements with all 13 provinces and territories. It outlines the funding needed to support a nation-wide early learning system. The role of the federal government is to provide the necessary investments and the provinces will create frameworks to use that money towards affordable and accessible early learning.

• The agreements briefly outline the vision each province has for its students and how the federal government’s funding will help achieve these set objectives.
• You can find each individual ELCC agreement on the federal government’s website. https://www.canada.ca/en/early-learning-child-care-agreement/agreements-provinces-territories.html

The National Advisory Council

The National Advisory Council on Early Learning and Childcare (ELCC) works closely with the Minister of Families and Minister of Children to address any potential policy issues regarding ECE.

• The council does not make decisions regarding ELCC but rather helps guide them with expertise advice.
  • The council’s members and their roles are found on the federal government’s website. https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/corporate/early-learning-child-care-advisory-council/terms-reference.html#h2.4