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REGINA—The framework announced by the federal government and the Saskatchewan government is a missed opportunity to make meaningful progress on child care, says Unifor.
“The lack of a financial commitment from Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe undermines what the federal government was trying to achieve,” said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President. “Families in Saskatchewan deserve better from their government.”
The bilateral agreement, announced on March 16, is part of the Multilateral Early Learning and Child Care Framework. The federal government is securing agreements with each province about how the $7.5 billion in federal funds will be allocated over the next 11 years. Unifor says the Saskatchewan government was happy to take the federal money, but did not add its own contribution to the framework, as other provinces did.
“Scott Moe was a freeloader at a federal press conference,” said Joie Warnock, Unifor Western Regional Director. “Although the federal government's contribution is less than needed, the Saskatchewan Party has added insult to injury.”
Unifor’s Prairie Regional Council Women's Committee Chairperson Cecily Howe experienced the struggle to find child care first hand. She contacted over 25 centres and day homes before finding a spot for her son.
“My experience isn't unique. I've heard from women in my community and my workplace that the Saskatchewan child care system isn't working,” said Howe. “Spots are scarce and expensive. Women are leaving the workplace because they can't find or afford quality care for their children.”
For more information, please contact Unifor Communications Representative Ian Boyko at @email or 778-903-6549 (cell).
