Effective July 1, childcare centers in Saskatchewan are losing all funding for children who are enrolled as casuals or part-time, a move that will hammer the viability of childcare providers attempting to stay open and serve their community.
“Continuing down this path is going to send Saskatchewan’s childcare into a complete tailspin,” said Beck. “We are going to see waitlists skyrocket overnight, and we are going to see thousands of parents forced out of work because they have lost consistent and affordable childcare, especially in rural Saskatchewan.
On Wednesday, Beck and Childcare & Early Learning Shadow Minister Joan Pratchler were joined by Cara Warner, the Director of Dream Big Childcare Centre in Rocanville, and Kaitlin Gibson, a mother with a 16-month-old son, who had to quit her job, when she couldn’t secure permanent and reliable childcare.
“I was forced to walk away from my job, not because I lacked ambition or work ethic, but because childcare in Saskatchewan made employment impossible.” Gibson said.
“Saskatchewan says it wants young families, workers, and rural growth, but it is impossible without dependable childcare. Unfortunately, I had to learn the hard way that when the government says they are supporting working families - it's just a slogan.”
Warner said the funding cut is, “a huge blow for families trying to access affordable care . The Government is taking funding from children already accessing affordable care and giving it to spaces that aren't even usable yet — it makes zero sense.”
Joan Pratchler, Shadow Minister for Childcare and Early Learning, noted that she has childcare providers across the province calling her every day, terrified of the government's plan to cut funding. Many have said they can't afford to look after children as a result, which could mean that centers will be unable to afford caring for children enrolled as casuals.
Pratchler added that the government needs to stop pretending childcare is a problem for parents to deal with – childcare is an economic policy.
“Affordable and accessible childcare is the gateway to thriving communities,” said Pratchler. “If you can see that you are driving yourself over a cliff, just stop.
“Clearly, it's time for change.”
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