Saskatoon, November 23, 2021
On Friday November 19, 2021 the Government of Saskatchewan announced an immediate reduction in child care fees by 50% to families with children in licensed care. Grant money provided through the Early Learning and Child Care Agreement signed between the provincial and federal governments in August, 2021 sees fee reductions ranging from $306 – $395/month for families with children under six years of age, and will be retroactive to July 1, 2021.
Child Care Now Saskatchewan applauds the significant and immediate financial relief provided to families through this grant. That the monies are supplied directly to licensed facilities is an important component in supporting supply side funding.
“There is no doubt that immediate financial relief is welcomed and needed by many families in Saskatchewan, but we must ensure it is sustainable and builds a strong foundation for a province-wide system of child care. We need to get this right, and we do that by working together.” Sue Delanoy, Chair, Child Care Now Saskatchewan
“We are encouraged by the immediate impact this announcement has for the families our sector serves, but remain dedicated to understanding the long term impact of this initiative and how it needs to lay the foundation for building a broad public system of child care in Saskatchewan. In the absence of any significant consultation with advocates, the sector and families prior to making this announcement, many providers are unsure how the grant program will affect us. We are eager for more clarity and details.” Lisa Leibel, Executive Director at Preston Early Learning Centre Inc, Member of Child Care Now Saskatchewan
“We are encouraged by the provincial government’s quick action to make licensed child care more affordable for parents but we are also would like more information on how the formula used to calculate the reduction, and also about how the government plans to achieve the average $10 a day fee that is promised in the signed child care funding agreement with the Government of Canada,” continued Delanoy.
Child care advocates in Saskatchewan would like to be consulted and have the opportunity, before decisions are made and announced, to share our expertise, experience and perspectives as the province moves forward changes to the funding, expansion and delivery of child care services.
For more information, please contact:
Sue Delanoy, Advocate,
Child Care Now Saskatchewan
Phone:306-241-4952
Email: saskatchewan@ccnow.ca
Website: https://timeforchildcare.ca/
To download this press release in full, click here.
