Canada’s Unions welcome extended child care funding

The Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) welcomed today’s announcement that the $10 a day Child Care Plan funding will be extended to 2031 in eleven provinces and territories.

“We are pleased to see that the Canada Wide Early Learning and Child Care funding agreements will continue until 2031 in almost every province and territory,” said Bea Bruske, CLC President.  “Sustainable federal funding is essential to building a national child care system that meets the needs of working families in Canada.  In the midst of a trade war that will have far-reaching impacts on many workers, access to affordable child care will make a huge difference for parents who need to know their children are safe and well cared for while they go to work or receive training”.

During times of economic stress, workers need stable and reliable public services so they can participate in the labour force and manage the increased costs of essentials.  While our child care system is still expanding to meet the increasing demand for care, having the security of longer-term federal funding will help the sector continue to grow.

“The next step is to help the early learning and child care system expand and flourish with new public and not-for-profit facilities in every community and a robust workforce strategy that will help recruit and retain child care workers by improving wages, benefits, working conditions, and professional development opportunities”, said Siobhán Vipond, CLC Executive Vice-President.

“As we approach a federal election, Canada’s unions urge all parties to commit to $10 a Day Child Care and to continuing to build and strengthen the system so that every working family has quality, comprehensive care they can count on.  Our economy depends on it”, said Bruske.

-30-

To arrange an interview, please contact:
CLC Media Relations
media@clcctc.ca
613-526-7426