Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at the child care announcement on Nov. 15, 2021.

By Chris Brown

Ottawa, Alberta promise $10-a-day child care within five years

Nov 15, 2021 | 11:34 AM

EDMONTON – A historic deal between the federal and provincial governments will make child care more affordable for Albertans.

“Within five years, $10 a day child care will be a reality right across the province,” said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. “By the end of next year, child care fees will be cut in half for Albertan families, the province will be creating over 40,000 new spaces in early learning and child care, and we’re going to strengthen and update the wage grid so that early childhood educators get the kind of training, support and wages they need to contribute in such an important way to not just the present of our society but the future of it as well.”

He said the pandemic underscored the need for proper support for child care so parents can get back to work and children can get the best start in life possible.

Trudeau called it big news for families and another example of governments working together to achieve tangible results.

Alberta is the eighth province to sign the deal with Ottawa, which was a major part of the federal government’s spring budget.

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Trudeau was joined by deputy PM Chrystia Freeland and Premier Jason Kenney for the announcement in Edmonton.

READ MORE: Local parents applaud child care deal between federal government and province

Kenney said this is a good day for Alberta families and that affordable child care makes a big difference for working parents.

He said the agreement ensures that more Alberta parents have access to affordable child care and that’s a very good thing.

“The province has secured a deal that allows Albertans to have the type of child care that works best for them,” he said. “This means that all types of licensed child care for kids aged up to Kindergarten like preschools, daycare and licensed family day homes will now be supported through this deal with the federal government.”