Children

1. Government of Canada launches call for applications for the National Advisory Council on Early Learning and Child Care

   hild care is not a luxury, it’s a necessity. Yet too many families in Canada lack access to affordable, inclusive and high-quality child care. This is an economic issue as much as it is a social one. Without access to child care, parents—especially women—cannot fully participate in the economy and the global COVID-19 pandemic has brought these issues to the forefront.

2. More support for Canadian families

   For the past five years, the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) has helped lift 435,000 children out of poverty by providing approximately $25 billion each year in tax-free support to about 3.5 million families. The global COVID-19 pandemic has added a wide range of unpredictable expenses for Canadian families. That’s why the Government of Canada has taken action, through the CCB Young Child Supplement, to help parents cope with the pressures of the pandemic, make life more affordable for families, and grow the middle class.

3. Minister Hussen to make announcement that will assist Canadian families with children under six

   The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, will announce how the Government of Canada will give additional support to families with young children.

4. Canada Child Benefit increases once again to keep up with the cost of living

   Every child deserves the best possible start in life. That is why the Government of Canada introduced the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) five years ago to help give families a fair chance at success. Since then, each year the CCB has provided almost $25 billion in tax-free support to about 3.5 million families. This support has helped lift nearly 435,000 children out of poverty, grown the middle class, and put more money in the pockets of 9 out of 10 Canadian families compared to the previous suite of child benefits.

5. Minister Hussen to make an announcement about the Canada Child Benefit

   The Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, Ahmed Hussen, will announce how the Government of Canada is improving the Canada Child Benefit to better help middle class families and those working hard to join the middle class. Tim Louis, Member of Parliament for Kitchener-Conestoga, will accompany the Minister.

6. Canada reaffirms its commitment to the 2030 Agenda at the United Nations High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development

   The COVID-19 pandemic has laid bare widespread socio-economic inequalities worldwide. The 2030 Agenda and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals provide Canada and the world with a framework for an inclusive and resilient recovery that leaves no one behind.

7. Government of Canada introduces legislation to create the new Canada Disability Benefit 

   Canadians with disabilities are twice as likely to live in poverty than those without disabilities, a situation that has been made even worse by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. By addressing the longstanding inequities that lead to financial insecurity, hardships and social exclusion faced by persons with disabilities, the Government of Canada is delivering on its commitment to building a disability-inclusive Canada.

8. Backgrounder:  Enabling Accessibility Fund – Windsor Projects

   The Enabling Accessibility Fund supports the capital costs of construction and renovations related to improving physical accessibility and safety for people with disabilities in Canadian communities and workplaces.

9. Canada launches two calls for proposals to improve financial wellbeing and social inclusion of vulnerable Canadians 

   The pandemic has affected all Canadians over the past year, and families, children and youth have been among those most negatively impacted. Adapting to working remotely for some, adjusting to on-line school for others, and the lack of connection with friends, extended family and other social networks have created significant additional pressures on families.

10. Government of Canada launches two calls for proposals to improve financial well-being and social inclusion of vulnerable Canadians

    The Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, Ahmed Hussen, accompanied by Peter Fragiskatos, Member of Parliament for London North Centre, and Kate Young, Member of Parliament for London West, will announce the launch of two calls for proposals. These proposals will fund projects that support the most vulnerable people in communities across Canada.