The Department of Family Services announced Sept. 2 that foster-care daily rates have increased by 45 per cent. The territorial rates vary by community to reflect different living costs. Based on the published rate schedule, the annualized basic amount rises from $21,170 to $30,700 in Arviat, Iqaluit and Rankin Inlet; from $21,900 to $31,755 in 10 communities; from $22,630 to $32,810 in five communities; and from $23,725 to $34,401 in seven communities. The payments are calculated for each day a child is in a caregiver’s care. ᓇᑭᓐᖔᖅᓯᒪᓂᖏᑦ↗

The rate is intended to help cover the day-to-day costs of caring for a child, including food, shelter, clothing, school supplies, routine travel and activities. The increase is a completed government decision, not a proposed program. It is the first increase since 2020, according to reporting that links to the government announcement. ᓇᑭᓐᖔᖅᓯᒪᓂᖏᑦ↗

The government says eligible foster parents will receive a lump-sum retroactive payment for April 1 through Aug. 31, 2026. The source reviewed does not give a payment date, total program cost, or the number of caregivers and children affected.

The new annualized rates per child are: $30,700 in Arviat, Iqaluit and Rankin Inlet; $31,755 in Arctic Bay, Baker Lake, Cambridge Bay, Chesterfield Inlet, Gjoa Haven, Sanirajak, Igloolik, Kugluktuk, Naujaat and Whale Cove; $32,810 in Kinngait, Kimmirut, Pangnirtung, Sanikiluaq and Taloyoak; and $34,401 in Clyde River, Coral Harbour, Grise Fiord, Kugaaruk, Pond Inlet, Qikiqtarjuaq and Resolute Bay. The Department of Family Services’ foster-care policy describes per-diem support as covering the added daily costs of caring for children and says rates vary by community. ᓇᑭᓐᖔᖅᓯᒪᓂᖏᑦ↗