RURAL COMMUNITIES WARN HUNDREDS OF CHILDCARE SPACES COULD BE LOST UNDER SCOTT MOE’S CHILDCARE AGREEMENT

Sask. NDP Join Childcare Operators and Municipal Leaders Calling For Immediate Pause And Review As Funding Shortfalls Threaten Closures
REGINA — Carla Beck’s team alongside municipal leaders and childcare operators is calling on the Sask. Party government to go back to the drawing board on their failing childcare funding model which they say puts hundreds of critical childcare spaces at risk – particularly in rural communities already struggling with limited access.

Childcare operators say changes to the federal-provincial $10 a day childcare agreement, which went into effect April 1st , are creating major financial instability for many centres. They say changes to the Parent Fee Reduction Grant is leaving existing providers with deepening deficits and forcing impossible choices: cut space, cut programming, increase parent fees or close entirely.

Cara Werner who operates the Dream Big Childcare in Rocanville says the new model undermines the shared spaces the province previously encouraged. Under the old framework, her centre was able to meet community need. Under the new one, the province will only the fund 45 spaces, leaving 30 children without childcare.

“This change is the complete opposite of what they've been telling us to do for years,” said Werner. So any centres that we're following these recommendations from the consultants are going to be screwed,” said Werner.

We’re still dealing with the inequitable funding model from this first 5 years of this agreement. We have centers that have been bleeding and hemorrhaging money. All of these little problems comes down to funding – it’s inadequate and they need to start looking at that funding model.

They’re saying we have to take the money we were paying you to fund other spaces that aren’t open yet so that more people can have access to childcare. Essentially they’re taking childcare away from these people over here and giving it to these people over here. It’s like robbing Peter to pay Paul. It doesn’t make sense.”

In a community meeting attended by more than 50 people in Rocanville and live streamed to more 3 thousand, the Mayor of Rocanville warned the funding shortfall could close the town’s only licensed daycare, a devastating blow for families, employers and economic growth in the region.

“Employers may experience increased absenteeism, turnover and recruitment difficulties which in turn affect productivity and competitiveness, said Ron Reed.

Similar pressures are being reported across the province indicating systemic issues rather than an isolated case. Without targeted adjustments or rural-specific considerations, communities like Rocanville and many others across Saskatchewan – risk losing critical social infrastructure despite strong local demand and demonstrated community support.”

“The $10-a-day childcare agreement was supposed to make childcare more affordable and more accessible for Saskatchewan families — but Scott Moe’s new funding model risks doing the opposite in communities that can least afford to lose spaces,” said Joan Pratchler, Saskatchewan NDP Shadow Minister for Childcare and Early Learning.

“The Minister needs to pause this rollout, return to the table with operators and municipalities, and ensure Saskatchewan contributes its fair share so families don’t lose the childcare spaces they were promised.”

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