What changed for the four Lanaudière daycares?

The Quebec Ministry of the Family reversed a planned January 9 shutdown and will allow operations until February 6, 2026, to complete a sale. The permit transfer is targeted by March 31. This supports continuity of care while enforcing a rapid ownership change under ministry oversight.

What are the main legal risks for operators now?

Serious allegations against an owner can trigger administrative action, up to daycare license revocation. Expect document audits, compliance checks, and conditions on operations. Operators should keep governance, screening, and incident reporting current to reduce exposure if regulators request evidence on short notice.

How might this affect cash flow for providers and vendors?

Permit uncertainty can slow subsidies, parent payments, and banking decisions. Providers should plan 4-8 weeks of liquidity for payroll and rent. Buyers may use holdbacks until transfer closes. Vendors should verify new billing contacts and payment instructions if management changes during the transition period.

Who are likely buyers in childcare M&A Quebec?

Compliant operators with clean records and ready financing are best placed. They can move quickly through due diligence and ministry review. Expect preference for asset deals, clear governance, and strong staffing plans to reassure parents, lenders, and regulators during a fast transfer window.

What if the transfer is not completed by March 31?

The ministry’s extension aims for a sale and transfer by March 31, but it has not publicly detailed next steps. Stakeholders should watch official updates around February 6 and late March. If milestones slip, further regulatory action or temporary arrangements are possible, subject to ministry decisions.

Law and Government

Quebec Childcare, January 07: Lanaudiere Operations Extended to Feb 6

ByHuzaifa Zahoor January 8, 2026January 8, 2026

Lanaudiere daycare closures were paused after Quebec’s Ministry of the Family allowed four centres to keep operating until February 6, 2026, to complete a sale with transfer by March 31. The move reverses a January 9 shutdown tied to an owner facing assault charges. For investors and providers, this spotlights license risk, cash-flow strain, and quick deal timelines in Quebec childcare. We outline the dates that matter, the legal signals for subsidized operators, and how this could accelerate consolidation in the Lanaudière region and beyond.