Affordable childcare's coming to Manitoba much sooner than expected.
When the province signed on to the Canada-wide early learning and childcare agreement in August of 2021, the original target was to have $10-a-day healthcare by 2026.
However, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was in Winnipeg this morning, to announce that it's coming way ahead of schedule.
"We're here together to announce that Manitoba will achieve an average of ten dollars a day for regulated childcare in a few weeks, on April 2nd, three years ahead of schedule."
Trudeau says that today's announcement shows the work that can be done when governments work together for a common goal.
"All of this work wouldn't be possible without the advocacy and leadership of the childcare sector. So to all the experts, educators, providers, and families, who've been tireless in advocating for better childcare for years, indeed for decades, thank you for your continued work."
Premier Heather Stefanson was part of the announcement as well, also stressing the importance of working together on these projects.
"As the Prime Minister said, and I'm gonna reiterate again, when we work together we can accomplish great things, for our communities, for our province, and for our country."
Manitoba's childcare subsidy program will continue to give financial support by further reducing fees for those who can't afford the $10-a-day price tag. Stefanson says they want to ensure that cost isn't a barrier to quality early-learning programs.
