Ontario signs $10-a-day childcare deal with federal government: CP

Ontario has signed a $10.2 billion deal with the federal government that will cut childcare fees in half by the end of 2022, according to The Canadian Press.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier Doug Ford are expected to make an announcement about the deal in the Greater Toronto Area on Monday.

Sources from both governments with knowledge of the negotiations told The Canadian Press the deal was signed Sunday night after intense final talks over the weekend.

Ontario was the last province needed to sign the deal to fulfill Trudeau’s pledge to bring childcare feeds down to an average of $10-a-day in every province and territory by the end of 2026.

Ontario was holding out for more money and while they didn’t get that, sources say they secured more flexibility in when the funds are spent.

The province will cut fees over the next few months by an average of 25 per cent retroactive to April 1 and by an average of 50 per cent by the end of December.