This morning, a letter was released by one of the largest childcare centres in Moose Jaw stating that based on the new childcare regulations their centre would be adding a new monthly fee, increasing the childcare fee by $100/month per child. This effectively signals the end of $10/day childcare in Saskatchewan.
Childcare providers have been sounding the alarm for months that pulling previous part-time space funding will make it financially unviable for some to remain open let alone to carry part-time and casual childcare spaces. These spaces are critical for nurses, continuing care aides, paramedics, first responders, shift workers, parents of children who attend half time kindergarten and thousands of other Saskatchewan workers whose schedules extend beyond the traditional Monday-to-Friday workweek.
"Healthcare workers have spent years holding our healthcare system together through staffing shortages and burnout," said Joan Pratchler, Shadow Minister for Early Learning & Childcare. “Now, instead of supporting them, this government is taking away the childcare options that make it possible for many of them to go to work.
“This is shortsighted, ill thought out. It’s a disrespectful and disgusting way to treat mothers, families, and communities. This is not how we support families, our economy and our collective future.”
Childcare operators have said the changes threaten the financial sustainability of many centres. Without the flexibility to offer a mix of full-time, part-time, and casual spaces, providers say they may be forced to reduce services, lay off staff, or close their doors altogether.
“These changes will be felt in every community across Saskatchewan,” Pratchler said.
Cara Werner, Chair of ChildcareNow Saskatchewan Chapter joined Pratchler at the Legislature. “We feel like we don’t have a choice; centres are going to be implementing additional fees. We have to think about long-term sustainability and the ministry, and this government are not helping with that right now,” said Werner.
Carla Beck’s team is calling on Scott Moe to immediately suspend implementation of the new regulations, consult directly with childcare providers, parents, and frontline workers, and develop a funding model that protects flexible childcare spaces while ensuring childcare centres remain financially sustainable.
"Saskatchewan families have been clear: they need a childcare system that reflects the realities of modern work and supports the people who keep our province running," Pratchler said. “It’s time for change.”