Saskatchewan Secures Five-Year Renewal for Child Care Agreement

The federal government has renewed its agreement with Saskatchewan for affordable early learning and child care, extending the Canada-Saskatchewan Early Learning and Child Care Agreement for an additional five years starting from the 2026-27 fiscal year. This extension was announced on Friday by Everett Hindley, Saskatchewan’s Minister of Education.

In conjunction with this renewal, the governments also extended the Canada-Saskatchewan Bilateral Early Learning and Child Care Agreement for the same period. Additionally, the Infrastructure Fund has been extended for one more year. Altogether, these agreements represent a substantial federal investment of $1.6 billion aimed at enhancing the accessibility and affordability of child care services in the province.

Key Features of the Agreements

One of the significant features of the renewed agreements is the expansion of age eligibility for child care services. Children who turn six while enrolled in kindergarten will still be eligible for $10-a-day child care until the end of the school year. This change is designed to provide continuity for families and help ease the financial burden associated with child care.

Buckley Belanger, Secretary of State for Rural Development, emphasized the importance of accessible child care for families. Speaking on behalf of Patty Hajdu, Canada’s Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, Belanger stated, “It’s never been more important for parents to be able to work, study, and start a business, but for too many families, access to child care has been a major barrier.” He highlighted that high fees often force parents, particularly mothers, to make difficult choices between returning to work and managing family responsibilities.

Lower child care fees are expected to save families thousands of dollars, allowing them to remain in the workforce and better balance their personal and professional lives.

Community Impact and Future Outlook

Minister Hindley expressed that the new agreement aligns closely with the needs and concerns voiced by Saskatchewan residents. “This is a monumental day for Saskatchewan families and the entire child care sector,” he said. He added that the renewed funding is not merely about financial support; it symbolizes a commitment to prioritize families in the province.

The extended agreements aim to alleviate some of the financial pressures faced by families, ensuring that more children have access to quality early learning and care. As the province moves forward with this initiative, the focus will remain on addressing the needs of families and enhancing the overall child care landscape in Saskatchewan.