In a concerning warning for families across Ontario, Education Minister Paul Calandra has revealed that child-care fees could see a significant hike if the next federal government fails to boost funding for the much-lauded $10-a-day child-care initiative.

Currently, Ontario is one of the few provinces that has not extended the federal child-care program before the recent elections, with the existing agreement set to expire on March 31, 2026. Although the province has expressed a commitment to maintaining reduced fees with an agreement-in-principle, officials indicate that without an additional $10 billion over the next five years from the federal government, the financial viability of the program is in jeopardy.

Calandra's message to parents is clear: unless federal support increases, child-care costs could become unaffordable. "We hope the federal government will step forward with stable and adequate funding for Ontario families before the current program expires," he stated in a letter directed at concerned parents.

At present, fees for child care in Ontario are capped at $22 a day, serving as a stepping stone towards the promised $10-a-day rate. However, as the deadline approaches, parents are left anxiously awaiting concrete developments.

Interestingly, Calandra has noted that neither the federal Liberals nor Conservatives have made strong commitments regarding increased child-care funding in their election platforms. This uncertainty has prompted him to call for transparency from political leaders. "It's time we stop pulling the wool over people's eyes. If $10 a day isn’t feasible, what will parents be left with?" he insisted.

Liberal Leader Mark Carney has pledged to "protect and strengthen" the national child-care program but has not promised additional funding. His platform includes creating 100,000 new child-care spaces and ensuring wage increases for early childhood educators.

On the other hand, the Conservative platform contains vague references to the child-care program and pledges to honor current agreements with provinces. However, Pierre Poilievre has yet to clarify plans for provinces facing the expiration of their funding agreements.

As Ontario families navigate this uncertain landscape, the stakes for the future of affordable child care have never been higher. Will the next federal government step up to ensure the promise of $10-a-day child care remains a reality? Time will tell.