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C-35Royal assent received

Law to Improve Child Care Across Canada

Better Child Care Act

Introduced Dec 8, 2022·Last discussed Mar 19, 2024
Summary

This proposed law, called the Canada Early Learning and Child Care Act, aims to make childcare more affordable and accessible for families across Canada. It sets up a system where the government works with provinces and Indigenous groups to lower the cost of childcare. The goal is to create a Canada-wide childcare system that is community-based. The proposed law also creates a council to advise the government on childcare. This proposed law affects families with young children, especially those who struggle to afford childcare. It also affects childcare providers, provinces, and Indigenous groups, as they will be involved in creating and running the new childcare system. The proposed law matters because it recognizes that access to affordable childcare is important for children's development and allows parents, especially mothers, to work and contribute to the economy. It also prioritizes culturally appropriate childcare for Indigenous families.

Bill Timeline
Introduced in the House
Dec 8, 2022
Approved in principle (House)
Feb 1, 2023
Vote on Bill C-35 — approve in principlePassed
323 Yea0 Nay
Feb 1, 2023
Vote to limit debate on Bill C-35Passed
173 Yea147 Nay
Jun 6, 2023
Vote to change Bill C-35Defeated
114 Yea211 Nay
Jun 12, 2023
Vote on Bill C-35 — accept committee changes?Passed
325 Yea0 Nay
Jun 12, 2023
Passed the House
Jun 19, 2023
Final vote on Bill C-35Passed
315 Yea0 Nay
Jun 19, 2023
Introduced in the Senate
Jun 20, 2023
Approved in principle (Senate)
Sep 28, 2023
Passed the Senate
Dec 7, 2023
Became law
Mar 19, 2024
Where This Lands on Key Issues

Where this proposed law falls on the policy spectrums that Canadians care about

Taxes & Government SpendingEducation & ChildcareHousing & Cost of Living
This bill
Taxes & Government SpendingExpand government programs significantly

The bill establishes a new, publicly funded childcare system, indicating a significant expansion of government spending. This pushes it strongly toward the +2 end of the spectrum.

Education & ChildcareUniversal free education and childcare

The bill aims to make childcare a right and lower costs, moving towards universal free childcare. This aligns fully with the +2 end of the spectrum.

Housing & Cost of LivingBalance market and affordability programs

By lowering childcare costs, the bill indirectly addresses the cost of living for families. This has a slight effect on the +2 end of the spectrum.

Bill Quality
Solid

This proposed law aims to create a Canada-wide early learning and child care system by providing long-term funding and establishing a National Advisory Council. However, it leaves many specifics to be determined later and relies heavily on collaboration with provinces and Indigenous groups.

Things to Watch For

  • The law does not guarantee that all families will have access to affordable child care.
  • The law doesn't specify how the government will ensure that provinces and Indigenous groups use the funds as intended.
  • The law does not define what constitutes 'high quality' or 'inclusive' child care.
  • The law does not address how the government will handle disagreements with provinces or Indigenous groups.
  • The law does not include a mechanism for citizens to provide feedback or hold the government accountable.
Progress

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