Childcare is still falling for short in Nova Scotia, despite recent historic investments, according to a new report by the Nova Scotia branch of the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives.
Nova Scotia and Ottawa had a $605 million funding agreement in July of 2021 to reach childcare that would only cost $10/day in five years’ time.
The CCPA says they commend the government for the money, but challenges remain for affordable fees, regulated spaces and wages.
“In 2021 advocates were excited that finally, after decades of advocacy, a publicly funded, high-quality, universal, non-profit system of Early Learning and Child Care was on the horizon,” says Megan Richard with Child Care Now.
“We’re still hopeful, but there’s still so much work needed to be done to support children and families across our province.”
The province’s official opposition agrees with CCPA and says childcare remains unaffordable and out of reach.
“Parents in Nova Scotia are doing everything right – working, raising families and trying to build a life – but for too many the childcare system isn’t working for them. This report shows what we’ve been saying for years: childcare remains unaffordable and out of reach,” says MLA Paul Wozney.
Wozney says some families are paying more than $35 a day.
“Nova Scotians deserve better,” says Wozney.
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