The NDP government has announced that it is moving ahead on an initiative to make day care more affordable for all Albertans by investing $10M for more child-care spaces and trained professionals.

The funding will create 1,000 new spaces and provide up to 230 new child-care jobs.

“Our government is keeping its promise to make child care more accessible for Alberta families. Investing in quality child care will make life more affordable for parents and prepare our children for success,” Premier Rachel Notley said in a release.

Officials say the investment will focus on capping fees at $25 per day while also helping address gaps in the system, including:

  • Flexible options for parents doing shift-work
  • Setting up centres in accessible locations like hospitals and public buildings
  • Supporting children with diverse needs

“Improving access to child care will support more women to remain in or enter the workforce. Today’s investment will improve the lives of women and move us one step closer to equality in Alberta,” said Stephanie McLean, Minister of Status of Women.

As part of the proposal, the government is asking non-profit organizations to apply to develop18 new Early Learning and Child Care Centres in Alberta.

Each of the centres will receive up to $500,000 in funding in the first year with the opportunity for additional funding for another two years.

“There's no question this is a fundamental priority for our government because it has such a profound impact on families on women on children on community,” says Premier Rachel Notley.

In 2015, the average monthly cost for a licensed childcare facility in Calgary was over $1,000.00 and this initiative would cut that by about half.

"We work with women in our community who for years have been asking for more affordable accessible child care,” says Sarelle Azuelos with the Women’s Centre Source. “It's definitely a major barrier for women who are looking to go back into the workforce.”

The locations of the new centres will be announced in early 2017.

The deadline to apply to become an Early Learning and Child Care Centre is January 20, 2017.