Government of Canada Improves Choice in Child Care

July 08, 2010

OTTAWA – Ted Menzies, Member of Parliament for Macleod and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance, is pleased to announce that more than 2 million Canadian children have benefited from the Universal Childcare Benefit (UCCB) since its launch in July 2006.  This marks the fourth year that the Government of Canada has provided choice in child care through the UCCB.

The UCCB provides families with $100 per month for every child under the age of six.  Since the launch of the UCCB four years ago, the Government of Canada has provided approximately $9.45 billion in direct transfers to parents.  Today, 1.5 million families benefit from the UCCB.

“When it comes to raising children, parents know best,” said Menzies.  “Every family’s needs are different.  With the direct financial assistance of $100 per month provided by the Universal Childcare Benefit, parents decide what kind of care is right for their children.”

Payments are made directly to parents, who can choose from a range of child care options.  Some families use the UCCB to help pay for preschool, while a parent who stays at home might use the Benefit to cover occasional care by a friend or neighbour.  The UCCB may be used to purchase learning materials.  Parents may even wish to deposit all or part of the Benefit in a Registered Education Savings Plan.

“Federal investments in early childhood development and child care are at the highest level in Canadian history,” said Menzies.  “In Budget 2010, the Government of Canada has proposed to strengthen the Universal Child Care Benefit for sole-support, single-parent families.  This change will provide up to $168 in tax relief for single parents with one child under the age of six.”

The Benefit is part of the Government’s Universal Child Care Plan, which helps families balance work and home responsibilities as they see fit.  In addition to the UCCB, the Plan supports the creation of new child care spaces by transferring an additional $250 million per year to the provinces and territories.  Over 84,000 spaces have been created since the Plan was introduced in 2007, and existing spaces have become more affordable. 

To learn more about the Universal Child Care Plan, please visit www.universalchildcare.ca, or Human Resources and Skills Development Canada at www.hrsdc.gc.ca.