Saskatchewan families and childcare providers are raising alarm after the province failed to sign on to the federal government’s renewed $10-a-day daycare program. With other provinces securing funding for another five years, Saskatchewan’s absence from the deal is sparking concerns over job losses and accessibility to affordable childcare.
The federal program, which has benefited families across Canada, is seen as a lifeline for parents, particularly in rural areas where daycare options are already limited. Without provincial participation, many worry that childcare centres—many of them non-profits—will be forced to shut their doors, leaving families scrambling and local economies at risk.
“The Sask Party government failed to act on tariffs, refused to join the national school food program, and now they’re ignoring a childcare crisis,” said Joan Pratchler, NDP’s Shadow Minister for Childcare and Early Learning. “They should be ashamed.”
Advocates argue that access to affordable childcare is essential for workforce participation, particularly for parents who rely on these services to remain employed. Without a renewed funding agreement, childcare operators may struggle to stay afloat, leading to layoffs and closures.
On February 17, childcare advocates sent a letter to Minister of Education Jeremy Hindley urging immediate action. They say there has been no response.
“The Sask Party needs to stop hiding and do its job,” Pratchler added. “They must immediately sign the childcare deal and save these jobs.”
The Saskatchewan government has yet to issue a statement on its decision not to join the renewed program.