Photo Courtesy Canadian Press

By David Opinko

Alberta

Smith plans to meet with feds over childcare concerns

Jan 31, 2024 | 1:38 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Alberta’s Premier said she is planning to take action after childcare operators voiced their concerns over the new funding arrangement.

Danielle Smith said in a social media post on Tuesday, January 30, 2024, that out-of-control spending by the federal government has increased inflation and impacted operating costs, putting childcare operators in an “extremely difficult situation.”

“The current cost control framework established by the federal government does not recognize the inflationary pressures child care operators are facing,” said Smith.

Back in 2021, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that he had signed a deal with the Government of Alberta to work towards implementing $10 per day childcare by 2026. Ottawa committed to providing $3.8 billion to the province as part of the arrangement.

While the federal government provides most of the money that is paid to childcare operators, the provincial government is in charge of managing the program.

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Smith said her government is committed to ensuring that the childcare system remains both affordable and sustainable, adding that Ottawa must respond to the concerns of those working in the sector.

“I will be requesting a meeting with the federal government to discuss this further and to urge the federal government to consider changes to the framework that would support operators facing inflationary pressures,” said Smith. “Child care is the responsibility of the provincial government and if the federal government doesn’t meet us at the table we will ensure Albertans can continue to access an affordable and sustainable child care system our way.”

Federal Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, however, said earlier this week that provinces knew what they signed up for when they agreed to the $10 per day childcare deal.

While Freeland stated that she remains committed to making childcare work, she did not suggest that the commitment included putting more money on the table.

Over the coming weeks, Smith said she plans to meet with childcare operators in Alberta to discuss potential solutions.