Education and Early Childhood Development
June 9, 2017

Federal, Provincial and Territorial Governments Agree on a Multilateral Framework for Early Learning and Child Care

Federal-Provincial-Territorial (F/P/T) governments today announced an agreement on a Multilateral Early Learning and Child Care Framework. This framework will result in enhancements to provincial and territorial early learning and child care systems that will improve the lives of Canadian children and their families.

The Honourable Dale Kirby, Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development, was in Ottawa today for the signing ceremony on behalf of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.

In the coming months, the Federal Government will work with the Provincial Government to enter into a three-year bilateral agreement to outline early learning and child care needs to be addressed in this province.

The funding allocation for Newfoundland and Labrador over the first three-year bilateral period is just over $7.5 million per year until 2019-20.

This funding will directly impact early childhood education throughout the entire province with specific program areas to be discussed through upcoming bilateral agreement negotiations. 

The Federal Government has committed that the annual allocation until 2027-28 will be no less than the allocation of 2017-18. Funding under the framework is not cost-shared and will be paid to provinces and territories that sign bilateral agreements.

This framework sets the foundation for governments to work towards a shared long-term vision where all children across Canada can experience the enriching environment of quality early learning and child care.

Quotes
“Newfoundland and Labrador is very pleased to work with our federal partners on this significant initiative. This funding will allow us to enrich our early childhood programs and make affordable, quality early education and child care more accessible to families in our province”
Honourable Dale Kirby
Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development

“I am very proud that we have now arrived to a successful agreement to help Canadian children and families have access to affordable, high-quality, flexible and fully-inclusive child care. Through this agreement we are giving Canadian children the best possible start in life and providing support to families who need it the most”.
Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos
Federal Minister of Families, Children and Social Development

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Learn More 

For details on the Multilateral Early Learning and Child Care Framework

Media contacts
Ryan Butt
Education and Early Childhood Development
709-729-1906, 725-7614
ryanbutt@gov.nl.ca  

Émilie Gauduchon-Campbell
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Families, Children and Social Development
819-654-5546 

2017 06 12                                                    4:10 p.m.