The ACCF: A new fund for military families

In Budget 2024, the Government of Canada announced a five‑year, $100M investment to improve CAF families’ access to flexible and reliable child care options. Beginning fiscal year 2025-2026, approximately $14.5M annually has been designated to CFMWS/MFS to deliver services virtually and through Military Family Resource Centres (MFRCs) and PSP/MFS teams at Bases and Wings. 

The Child Care Enhancement Program (CCEP) is intended to improve access to flexible, regulated, child care solutions in support of CAF operational readiness, while respecting federal/provincial jurisdictional boundaries. 

Amongst 5 major initiatives, MFS is implementing the Access to Child Care Fund (ACCF), a new initiative designed to increase child care services for CAF members and their families.

This investment is time-limited to 5 years (i.e. not baselined) with an end date of 31 October 2030. A Treasury Board Submission is anticipated in 2028 to obtain approval for baseline funding beyond 2030.

From 2026 to 2030, the ACCF will run a multi-year funding cycle with annual reviews to track results and ensure accountability.