What is the Cost and Demand of Childcare in Canada

September 14, 2023

SPS Canada

Newcomers to Canada typically settle in the country when they are younger than the average Canadian, leading to the likelihood of them starting families at a younger age. Consequently, the availability of diverse and affordable childcare solutions becomes crucial, not only to ensure the well-being of children but also to stimulate economic development and enhance social well-being.

Affordable Childcare Boosts Employment, Especially for Women.

In Quebec, the introduction of low-cost universal childcare led to more women participating in the labor force and utilizing paid childcare services. From 1998 to 2015, working hours for mothers increased by 9%, contributing $2.8 billion to the GDP.

For newcomers, lack of affordable childcare options may lead them to stay at home to care for their children. Unlike native Canadians, immigrants may lack local family support or the financial means for daycare as they adapt to their new lives.

How to Locate Childcare Alternatives in Canada

Canada offers a variety of childcare choices, including nannies, daycare facilities, home-based daycare services, and before and after-school programs.

The availability of quality childcare options tends to be more extensive in provinces and territories that allocate greater public funding, while others may offer fewer alternatives.

To identify a suitable childcare solution, initiate your search by visiting your city’s website and the Ministry of Education website for your province. Both resources will furnish lists of licensed childcare centers in your area. For unlicensed facilities or informal care arrangements, peruse community center bulletin boards and seek recommendations from fellow parents in your community.

Childcare Costs in Canada – 2022 Summary

In 2022, a survey by Statistics Canada looked at how much parents paid for childcare in Canada. Here’s what they found:

• Full-Time Childcare for Young Kids:

  • On average, parents paid about $7,790 per year for full-time childcare.
  • This means around $649 per month or about $31 per day.
  • Full-time care means at least 30 hours a week.

• Childcare Costs for All Ages (Including Part-Time):

  • For kids getting any amount of care, including part-time, the average yearly cost was around $6,565.
  • This works out to roughly $547 per month or about $29 per day.

• Considering Age:

  • Parents generally paid more for very young kids (0 to 3 years) compared to slightly older kids (4 to 5 years).
  • In 2022, full-time childcare for 0-to-3-year-olds cost an average of $8,146 per year, while for 4-to-5-year-olds, it was about $6,880 per year.

• Different Types of Childcare:

  • The cost of childcare depended on what kind of childcare parents chose.
  • For full-time childcare at centers, parents paid about $7,957 per year for kids aged 0 to 5.
  • If they used family childcare homes, it cost them around $7,042 per year for kids of the same age.
  • The most expensive option was full-time care by a non-relative (like a nanny) at the child’s home, which averaged about $26,669 per year.
  • On the other hand, parents paid less, around $3,517 per year, when a relative other than a parent took care of the child. Many parents didn’t have to pay anything for this type of care.

For more information and support, visit our website at www.sps canada.com Our website is a valuable resource where you can find additional information and resources related to childcare in Canada, making your journey as a parent smoother and more manageable. We’re here to help you every step of the way.

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