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Alberta and the federal government have reached a five-year, $ 3.8 billion child care agreement using federal funds to create more than 40,000 new child care and early learning spaces and reduce the average cost for children under the age of six to $ 10 per day.
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Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Deputy Minister Chrystia Freeland announced the agreement on Monday, along with Prime Minister Jason Kenney and Minister for Families, Children and Social Development, Karina Gould.
“Now, I think people know that the provinces and the federal government don’t always get along on everything. And there will always be points of disagreement. But I’m very, very happy to be here today with Prime Minister Kenney and the Government of Alberta to show that in the things that matter most to citizens, in the things that matter to the people we serve, we can do great things, ”Trudeau said.
“That’s exactly what we’ve been able to do here with Alberta today to move forward with a landmark childcare agreement.”
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Alberta is the ninth jurisdiction to sign a child care agreement with Ottawa. Freeland estimated that 60% of Canada’s children are now covered by a settlement.
Kenney had previously said that Trudeau’s deal was “only for some kind of institutional, urban, government and union-run daycare options,” from nine to five, and that parental options should be recognized.
On Monday, he called the announcement “a good day for Alberta families.”
He said the Alberta deal will mean more jobs and access to childcare for families.
“All types of licensed child care for children through kindergarten, such as licensed preschools, day care centers and family day homes, will now be supported through this agreement with the federal government,” he said.
“And to ensure that all children are properly cared for, there are funds for specific needs, such as special language, cultural and learning supports.”
The 2021 federal budget said Ottawa would authorize the transfer of funds from 2021-22 as soon as bilateral agreements are reached.
More to come
Reference-edmontonjournal.com