Early learning and child care workers, families, and advocates have been organizing for a national child care system for over 50 years. The federal government responded to their calls  in the 2021 budget, announcing $30 billion in investments over five years  to match provincial/territorial investments and establish a Canada-wide early learning and child care system.

Atkinson joined other foundations in the Early Child Development Funders Working Group in sending  a letter to the Prime Minister, associated federal Ministers, federal opposition leaders, and Premiers to  celebrate this step forward.  It also expressed our interest in working alongside all elected officials, civil servants, child care workers, families, and communities to make this vision a reality. Read the letter in English and French.

To follow developments related to child care, check out the work of our partners: the Association of Early Childhood Educators of Ontario; the Ontario Coalition for Better Child Care; and the Atkinson Centre.