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New report: A Canada-wide child care system would pay for itself

A Canada-wide child care program would also create greater equality, boost regional and rural economic development, and bring long-term health and well-being benefits for future generations.

Ottawa (25 Nov. 2020) — A new report, released today, underscores the economic benefit of a national child care system.

“The research is clear: a national child care system would not only benefit children and families but it makes good economic sense," said Larry Brown, President of the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE). "Now is the time for a universal public child care system in Canada.”

Below is the press release from Child Care Now on the report prepared by Jim Stanford. NUPGE is a member of Child Care Now.

Child care doesn’t cost. It pays.

  • 200,000 new jobs over 10 years in the child care sector
  • Another 100,00 jobs in industries that support and supply the sector
  • $17 to $29 billion per year in additional government revenues

These are the direct economic benefits to the economy from implementing a Canada-wide child care system — the sort envisioned in this year’s speech from the throne — over 10 years.

This is the word from a new study by noted economist Jim Stanford, Director of the Centre for Future Work.

The study, released on November 25, 2020, says a Canada-wide child care would also create greater equality, boost regional and rural economic development and bring long term health and well-being benefits for future generations.

“High-quality ELCC benefits children, parents, society and the economy, spurring job creation and GDP growth. For women, in particular, and for low-income and racialized families — and rural communities — it’s a game changer” says Child Care Now Executive Director, Morna Ballantyne.

For more information: National child care system must be universal, public