Payments, explained
Verified: October 2026
No, people don't do this for the money — but it's normal to want to understand what it covers. Across Canada, foster parents receive amounts to cover the child's expenses (food, clothing, housing, transportation). It's not a salary: it's reimbursement of real costs, sometimes topped up for the child's needs.
Per day or per month?
Most provinces pay a per diem (daily amount per child), varying by the child's age and sometimes the region. Newfoundland and Labrador pays a monthly amount. Supplements exist for special needs, recreation, exceptional transportation.
What about taxes?
Quebec's model stands apart
Quebec is unique: foster families are ressources de type familial (RTF), considered self-employed workers covered by a collective agreement (FFARIQ). Compensation combines a daily basic-expenses amount ($34.71/day effective April 1, 2026) and support compensation. Details in our Quebec guide.
Comparison table of published amounts
| Province / territory | Published amount | Effective | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quebec | $34.71/day | Apr 1, 2026 | Basic expenses + support compensation; tax-free |
| Alberta | $25.91 – $38.88/day | Jun 1, 2025 | By age (2–17); + skill fees $15.94/$29.23/day; recreation $675–$775/yr; tax-free |
| Manitoba | $24.32 – $34.72/day | Feb 2025 | By age and region |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $395 – $680/month | Jun 1, 2026 | Per child, by age and region |
| Northwest Territories | Community base + $5–$7/day | — | Age supplements; base amounts vary by community |
| British Columbia | Partially published — see the B.C. government payments page. | ||
| Nova Scotia | Partially published — reconstructible from government news releases. | ||
| Ontario | Not published — varies by Children's Aid Society (third-party sources: $39–$100/day) | ||
| Saskatchewan | Not published | ||
| New Brunswick | Not published | ||
| Prince Edward Island | Not published | ||
| Yukon | Not published | ||
| Nunavut | Public figures outdated (2005) — confirm with the department | ||
Sources: FSSS-CSN collective agreement (QC), AFKA rate schedule (AB), government news releases (MB, NL, NWT). Verified: October 2026 — re-verify amounts before any decision.
What the amounts don't tell you
- Exceptional expenses (dental, glasses, activities) are often reimbursed separately, on approval.
- Respite and training are generally paid or reimbursed.
- Amounts change: Manitoba's 2025 increase was the first since 2012; Newfoundland's the first in 12 years.
Related guides
Becoming a foster parent in Quebec
Full guide to becoming a foster family (RTF) in Quebec: eligibility, steps, training, payments ($34.71/day), DPJ,…
Becoming a foster parent in Canada
What fostering is in Canada: common requirements, process steps, PRIDE training, realistic timelines, province by province.
Frequently asked questions about foster care in Canada
20 FAQs about foster care in Canada: eligibility, payments, timelines, training — with provincial differences noted.