Early Learning and Child Care Act receives assent in the Yukon Legislative Assembly

Press Release

May 1, 2025

The Early Learning and Child Care Act (2025) Bill No. 48 received assent today in the Yukon Legislative Assembly, marking a significant milestone in modernizing child care legislation in the territory. This new Act will replace an outdated law and align the Yukon’s early learning and child care system with best practices across Canada.

Developed through extensive collaboration with early childhood educators, families, Yukon First Nations and stakeholders, the Act reflects the voices and concerns of Yukoners. It enshrines the principles of quality, accessibility and inclusivity, ensuring Yukon children and families receive the best possible care and support.

For the first time, the Yukon’s early childhood educators and the process for their certification are officially recognized in law, highlighting their role as professionals. The new Act also ensures that licensed child care providers pay educators fair wages, with regulations outlining how they must be paid. This will help guarantee professional wages for professional educators, supporting high quality in early learning programs.

The legislation also lays the foundation for an early learning framework developed in partnership with Yukon First Nations. This reflects the government’s commitment to reconciliation and working together to build a strong, supportive early learning and child care system.

Although the Act has received assent, it will not take effect immediately. The Government of Yukon will develop the necessary regulations to support the full implementation. This process will help ensure a smooth transition that meets the needs of all operators and owners of centre-based and home-based early learning and child care programs.

The legislation represents a comprehensive and forward-thinking approach to early learning and child care, reinforcing the territory’s commitment to high-quality, inclusive, accessible and affordable services for Yukon families.

The Early Learning and Child Care Act is a big step forward for our children, families and educators. It’s the result of years of partnership with Yukon First Nations, early childhood educators and families, ensuring we create a system that’s inclusive, accessible and of the highest quality. I look forward to seeing the positive impact this will have on our communities.

Minister of Education Jeanie McLean

Quick facts

• The Early Learning and Child Care Act will replace the outdated Child Care Act, which has been in effect since July 1, 1990.
• The most recent engagement had over 430 responses to a survey directed at Yukon families. The responses emphasized the importance of enshrining the principles of quality, affordability, inclusivity and accessibility in legislation.
• As of April 2025, there were approximately 1,900 children enrolled in licensed child care programs across the territory, an increase of 31 per cent since the implementation of universal child care in 2021.
• As of April 2025, the Yukon had 79 licensed early learning and child care programs and 2,345 licensed spaces.
• There are currently 500 early child care educators directly working in licensed early learning and child care programs in the Yukon and supported by the mandatory wage grid.

Media contact

Laura Seeley
Cabinet Communications
867-332-7627
laura.seeley@yukon.ca

Julie Ménard
Education, Communications
867-336-0653
julie.menard@yukon.ca

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