Notice to Families:
Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement (CWELCC) Update
Ontario entered into a $13.2 billion Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) agreement with the Government of Canada that delivers savings and relief to families. This includes lowering fees to an average of $10 per day for children five years and younger in licensed child care by September 2025.
Parents or guardians of children 0 – 5 years of age (as well as children who turn 6 years prior to June 30th of the calendar year) do not have to apply to receive a child care fee reduction, however your licensed child care operator will need to decide whether or not they want to enroll in this new system. If your licensed child care provider chooses not to participate, your fees cannot be reduced. In addition, camps or recreation programs, and unlicensed child care programs are not eligible.
It will require some time to implement this program and the first step involves identifying operators who wish to enroll. The District of Thunder Bay Social Services Administration Board is committed to proceeding as quickly as possible. Fee reductions will be retroactive to April 1, 2022. This means that you will be eligible to receive a refund for the higher fees you have paid after your child care provider is fully enrolled in the CWELCC system.
Your child care provider will be in touch with you to inform you of whether or not they plan to enter an agreement for the CWELCC program and, if enrolling, to let you know when their application has been approved. If you have further questions, please contact your child care provider directly.