What Child Care Costs in Canada in 2026, Province by Province

    Pick your province or territory to see what licensed child care costs where you live.

    Which province or territory are you in?

    ProvinceDaily feeAbout a monthDetails
    Manitoba$10$217.50See details
    Saskatchewan$10$217.50See details
    Alberta$15$326.25See details
    British ColumbiaFees depend on the provider. In $10-a-day spaces families pay about $200 a month. Average full-time centre care for children under six was about $1,115 a month in March 2025.See details
    Ontario$22$478.50See details
    Quebec$9.65$209.89See details
    Nova ScotiaFees are about 50% lower on average than in 2019. Halifax medians in 2026: $23 a day for infants, $22 for preschool.See details
    New Brunswick2026 medians in Saint John, Moncton and Fredericton: $19 a day for infants and $16 for preschool.See details
    Newfoundland and Labrador$10$217.50See details
    Prince Edward Island$10$217.50See details
    YukonFees were already below $10 a day on average (February 2025).See details
    Northwest Territories$10$217.50See details
    Nunavut$10$217.50See details

    About a month is the daily fee times 21.75 days. Fees change. Ask the centre for its all-in monthly fee, including extras.

    Why prices differ

    In 2021 and 2022 the federal government signed agreements with every province and territory to cut regulated child care fees. By February 2025, eight jurisdictions delivered regulated care at an average of $10 a day or less, and the other five had cut parent fees by at least 50%. The agreements now run to March 31, 2031. The prices you see depend on your province's rules, whether the centre is licensed and funded, and how many spaces exist. Spaces are the real limit in many places, so ask centres about waitlists early.

    Money you can claim back

    1. Canada Child Benefit: up to $8,157 a year for each child under 6 and up to $6,883 for ages 6 to 17 (July 2026 to June 2027), based on family income.

    2. Child Disability Benefit: up to $3,480 a year for each eligible child. It needs the Disability Tax Credit.

    3. Child care expenses deduction: you can usually deduct what you pay for child care so you can work or study. Claim it on line 21400 with form T778. The limits depend on the child's age and disability, and the lower-income spouse usually claims it. Keep every receipt. Check the current limits:

    4. Canada Education Savings Grant (RESP): the government adds 20% on the first $2,500 you put in each year, so up to $500 a year, to $7,200 for each child over a lifetime. Lower-income families can get up to $600 a year.

    5. Canada Learning Bond: $500 in the first eligible year and $100 a year after that up to age 15, to a $2,000 maximum, with no contribution needed. For children born on or after January 1, 2004 in lower-income families.

    6. Canadian Dental Care Plan: families under an income limit may qualify for dental coverage for children. Check eligibility:

    These programs have their own income tests. Check each official page before you rely on a figure.

    Frequently asked questions

    How much does child care cost in Canada in 2026?

    It depends on the province. Many places set $10 a day, Alberta is $15 a day, Ontario is capped at $22 a day, and Quebec is $9.65 a day. In BC, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick the price depends on the provider. See the table above.

    Which provinces have $10-a-day child care?

    Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island and Nunavut set fees at $10 a day, and the Northwest Territories averages $10 a day. Quebec's rate is $9.65 a day.

    What does child care cost per month?

    Multiply the daily fee by about 21.75 days. At $10 a day that is about $217.50 a month. At $15 it is about $326.25, and at $22 it is about $478.50.

    Can I claim child care on my taxes?

    Usually yes. The child care expenses deduction (line 21400, form T778) lets you deduct child care costs that let you work or study. The lower-income spouse usually claims it. Keep your receipts and check the current limits on the CRA page.

    Do I need to apply for the $10-a-day rate?

    It depends. In Manitoba the reduced rate applies automatically at eligible facilities. In other places, ask your licensed provider. You may also need to apply separately for a fee subsidy.

    Are fees the same everywhere in my province?

    Not always. Some provinces set one fee. In others, such as BC, fees vary by provider, and unfunded centres can charge more. Ask the centre for its all-in monthly fee, including extras.

    Sources

    Checked October 19, 2026. Education, not financial or legal advice.