Statement from Child Care Now Alberta: Alberta Not Renewing Historic $10/day Childcare Agreement Before Federal Election

Statement from Child Care Now Alberta: Alberta Not Renewing Historic $10/day Childcare Agreement Before Federal Election

Child Care Now Alberta expresses deep concern over the province’s decision not to renew the historic $10/day childcare agreement. According to the recent federal government announcement, Alberta is one of only three provinces and territories yet to sign the renewal, which would ensure funding for the program until 2031.

The $10/day childcare agreement has been instrumental in providing affordable, high-quality childcare to families across Alberta and creating more registered childcare spaces than ever before. The renewal of this agreement is crucial to ensure continued access to this essential service, which supports the economic stability and well-being of our communities and Alberta families.

Knowing this program will continue until 2031 allows providers to confidently expand and create more spaces. It offers Early Childhood Educators greater job security and assures those currently in school that jobs will be available when they graduate. It also provides families with a stable foundation to plan their futures.

Now, Albertans will have to wait for the outcome of the next federal election to know what will happen with $10/day childcare in Alberta. This, combined with recent changes to Alberta’s parental subsidy model, is creating unnecessary instability in a sector that needs stability to grow and support more children and families.

We urge the Alberta government to prioritize the needs of families, early childhood educators, and providers by committing to the renewal of the $10/day childcare agreement. The benefits of this program are clear, and its continuation is vital for so many across the province.

Child Care Now Alberta will continue to advocate for affordable, accessible, and high-quality childcare for all families in Alberta.