In this article, the author describes early learning and care arrangements in Canada and how the country faced the challenges in the development of a National Child Care System. While the provincial/territorial governments are responsible for early learning and care, the federal government has formed health and social programs including some child care services targeted to specific populations--First Nations people, military families, and new Canadians--as well as maternity/parental leave benefits, a child tax benefit, and a tax deduction for child care expenses. Many families use a variety of parental and non-parental combinations to meet both the care and educational components of their child's overall development. Together Canadians are actively participating in shaping the National Child Care System.