REGINA – The province has signed a deal with the federal government to extend $10 a day childcare in Saskatchewan, but the time it took to get a deal done is still a sore point for the opposition New Democrats.
“(Premier Scott) Moe's minister has finally turned in his homework,” was the reaction of Opposition childcare critic and former school principal Joan Pratchler.
“We're the second last province in Canada to sign that extension. My question is, why did it take so long? And after all that time, that's all you got to show for it.”
Pratchler also pointed to the uncertainty that was created for child care providers during the time it took for a deal to get done.
“In the meantime, providers have put off necessary investments. Others are looking to start up child care centres, but have been refused financing. Child care workers have left the field to work in gas stations or retail, and parents continue to wait for months, often years, for a $10-a-day spot.”
As for what she thought was good about the agreement, Pratchler did point to a few items.
“Well, expanding the age to the end of kindergarten, that's good. Extending it for five years will certainly offer some peace of mind for the sector. But only if the minister ensures that there is good faith on his part to address those current critical issues that's putting the sector at risk right now.”
Pratchler pointed to a few examples of further items that needed to be addressed in child care.
“We need urgent funding for those centres who are at risk of closing right now as we speak. We need a respectable wage grid and benefits. We need an equitable funding formula. We need recruitment and retention supports and transparent accountability. Many centres are struggling financially, and some are already closing doors, as many of you know already. And we can't have a bright future in this province if moms and dads don't have access to good, affordable child care when and where they need it.”
When she was asked about grant funding that for-profit sectors are going to be eligible for under the announcement, Pratchler noted that the nonprofit sector makes up about 90 per cent of the child care providers in the province. “That for-profit is really going to be minimal, as I understand from the announcement so far,” she said.
As for funding increases of three per cent a year, Pratchler noted that does not start until 2026-27. "So that's down the road.”
Going forward, Pratchler made it known there should be “consultation with the people that are in the field.”
“People on the front line know what's going on. … And so let's take what we've learned. Let's build on what's working well. And those things that aren't, consult with the sector. They know what's happening on the front lines, and they'll be able to give the best advice, which is what we should do for most of the things we're doing here.”
Labour reaction
In addition to the NDP, there has also been reaction from the unions.
“After months of consistent pressure through worker-led advocacy, public pressure, and press engagement, CUPE – alongside community allies – pushed Scott Moe to finally do what should have been done long ago: renew the $10-a-day child care agreement,” said Theresa Walkowski, CUPE Communications Representative, in a statement.
“Now, the real work begins. Signing the agreement is only step one. This government needs a serious plan to create more child care spaces, especially in rural communities. Affordable child care means nothing if families can’t access it. CUPE will continue to advocate for a strong, publicly funded child care system that works for every family and child care worker.”
