File photo of children at a day care facility. (Photo: Oksun70 | Dreamstime.com)

By David Opinko

Daycare

$50 million available to create childcare spaces in Alberta

Jul 8, 2022 | 5:16 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – A significant step towards creating $10 per day childcare in Alberta has been reached.

The Governments of Alberta and Canada have announced that applications are now open for non-profit organizations to create new childcare spaces and for providing childcare in licensed childcare programs.

Alberta Minister of Children’s Services Matt Jones says the $50 million being announced now will be prioritized for communities with limited or no licensed child care or in communities where there is high demand.

“Affordable, high-quality child care is an important part of our economic recovery,” says Jones. “This funding will help parents go back to school or work with the knowledge that their kids are safe, happy, and learning. We’re working with provincial partners, communities, and child-care operators to create new child-care spaces across the province, especially in rural and remote areas.”

Funding is being provided through the Alberta Canada Early Learning and Child Care Agreement. In November 2021, the federal government announced a $3.8 billion commitment to childcare in Alberta with the goal of providing $10 per day childcare to all families in the province.

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As part of that work, Ottawa set a goal of creating 42,500 additional spaces by the end of March 2026.

READ MORE: Ottawa, Alberta promise $10-a-day child care within five years

Federal Minister of Families, Children, and Social Development Karina Gould says this investment will make a significant difference for many families.

“Every child deserves the best start in life,” says Gould. “Additional licensed child-care spaces will allow more Alberta families and children across the province to access high-quality, affordable, flexible and inclusive early learning and child care.”

Child care providers can apply for funding on the Alberta Purchasing Connection website.

by David Opinko/LethbridgeNewsNOW