I read Oge Obiorah’s letter with interest and am glad to hear of conversations about childcare occurring all over the province. We have a variety of child care options that parents may choose for their children’s needs or current situation. This government ran on 375 commitments that Albertans supported and gave us a strong mandate to lead, focused on jobs, opportunities and the ability for people to provide for their families. We know that a strong economy allows us to better provide supports for those who need it most.
With respect to the $25/day childcare program, it was set up as a pilot – meaning a three-year test period – with a firm end date. Just as when it was introduced under the previous government, this project reduces costs for parents in a select number of centres across the province and is not based on parents’ income. The value of a pilot is that we’ll be able to review the data and findings from the project, but also talk to childcare operators and parents, to determine whether this is the best way to meet the diverse needs of children and families across the province.
As we work toward a fall budget, I want to hear from Albertan families, as well as childcare operators, so please email my office at [email protected] or call 780-644-5255 to share your thoughts.
Hon. Rebecca Schulz, Minister of Children’s Services, Government of Alberta
