Minister Designated for Early Learning and Child Care

Summary#

This is the federal order Order Designating the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development as the Minister for the Purposes of the Canada Early Learning and Child Care Act: SI/2024-15. On April 12, 2024, the Governor General in Council, on the recommendation of the Prime Minister, designated the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development as the minister responsible for the Canada Early Learning and Child Care Act. The order was published in the Canada Gazette on April 24, 2024.

What it does#

• Designates the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development as the minister responsible for the Canada Early Learning and Child Care Act.
• Makes clear which federal minister will handle administration, oversight and any official duties tied to that law.

Who's affected#

• The main immediate effect is on the federal government: the named minister and the minister’s department staff.
• People and organizations involved in early learning and child care—such as parents, child-care providers, and provinces/territories—may notice this only insofar as it clarifies which federal minister is the contact or signer for programs and agreements under the Act.
• If it’s unclear who else is affected, that reflects the order’s narrow, administrative nature rather than broad policy change.

Why it matters#

• It clarifies who is responsible and accountable for the federal law on early learning and child care. That matters when the government signs agreements, answers questions, or makes decisions under the Act.
• This is an administrative designation. It does not itself change the content of the law or introduce new programs, but it identifies the official point of contact within the federal government.