What are the chances that you child will get a space?

How to get a daycare spot? Your neighbour told you to go cry in front of the director, your friend tells you to pester them... you heard without an 'in', there's no hope...
First, contact your local government to see if the registration is done at the town hall, nursery, or from another structure, and sign up as soon as possible: the date of registration proves your motivation .
Remember that competition for regulated childcare (aka government subsidized) spaces is high. There are only regulated spaces available for approximately 22.5% of children in Canada. For more facts and figures, check out this handy document.

A limited number of spaces, and high demand.

Unsubsidized daycare spaces may be obtained more easily, but you will be responsible for paying the full cost although you can still receive federal child tax benefits.
Quebec is the only province in Canada to have only subsidized daycare spaces. BC has the highest annual average daycare costs ($10,199) whereas Ontario has the longest wait-lists for subsidized daycare spaces. 
But mostly depends on your location. Some provinces offer more subsidized spaces than others.

So, don't put all your eggs in one basket... look for other opportunities nearby. Research home daycares, nannies, shared childcare  at the same time, in the end, these types of arrangements might be for you too!

Your odds of getting a subsidized daycare space.

Each municipality has its own criteria for the allocation of subsidized childcare spaces. Learn to better assess your chances, and listen to the advice of parents who gotten a space.

Your family income
Most subsidized daycare spaces are reserved for families with below-average incomes. That doesn't mean you shouldn't try though. In many cases even with subsidized spaces, parents have to cover some of the cost of the fees.

Applying early
This may seem evident, but the earlier you apply the better your chances will be! If you're certain this is the kind of childcare you'd like for your child; apply as soon as possible!