According to the
Canadian Centre For Policy Alternatives, Moe and his incompetent Sask. Party ministers have created just 6,915 childcare spaces as of Q3 of 2025, glaringly short of their goal of 28,100 by the end of March. The report also identified Saskatchewan as having the second worst access to childcare in the country.
“Scott Moe has created a childcare desert in Saskatchewan — and he’s completely ignored providers and young families who have been sounding the alarm for years,” said Joan Pratchler, Saskatchewan NDP Shadow Minister for Childcare & Early Learning. “Let’s be clear, affordable childcare is good for families, it’s an excellent economic driver and it’s basically table stakes when we talk about building a bright future for Saskatchewan.
“Still, despite all that, Scott Moe has dragged his heels at every turn and failed to meet demand. This is not the kind of leadership we need at such a critical time for our province.”
“The government is now counting spaces that exist in theory and a half-day pre-k program that has been in place for years to try to pad these awful results. Parents cannot trust this Sask. Party government. I call on this
Education Minister to at long last be transparent and upfront with the people of Saskatchewan when it comes to providing accessible, affordable childcare that families and communities need and deserve,” added Pratchler.
Pratchler was joined by Krystal Lewis and Cara Werner with Childcare NOW for a news conference in Regina Wednesday.
"We know that childcare in Saskatchewan has been inaccessible for years. The Minister recently signed a new agreement but has yet to release the details. If the Minister really stood behind accessible and affordable childcare, why is he afraid to release any information?” said Cara Werner, Childcare NOW.
According to the report, 90 per cent of Saskatchewan families live in areas where there is inadequate childcare coverage. Saskatchewan ranks second-last in available spaces per child. The national average is 5.9 available childcare spaces for every 10 children requiring care — Saskatchewan sits at 3.5.
“I am not sure what exactly the other six children and their parents are supposed to do,” Pratchler said. “Perhaps Scott Moe will come out of hiding and answer to them. Everywhere you turn in this province, it’s one disaster after another with these guys.
“Household bills are piling up, and we are at risk of sending young families out of province for good.
“Clearly, it’s time for change, for a government that will get to work delivering affordable childcare on Day 1 – Carla Beck and the Saskatchewan NDP will do just that.”
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