Minister of Children's Services Searle Turton announced new funding to expand the number of childcare spaces in Alberta, October 10, 2023. (Photo: Government of Alberta)

By David Opinko

Province announces $28 million to create 22,500 new childcare spaces

Oct 10, 2023 | 11:41 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The Government of Alberta has announced funding to significantly expand the availability of childcare services.

Minister of Children’s Services Searle Turton said the province will spend $28 million over the next three years to create 22,500 privately-operated spaces.

“We’re doing this by expanding our Space Creation Grant to include new and licensed private childcare providers who want to help us achieve our $10 per day affordability target,” said Turton.

He added, “Parents who are challenged to find accessible and affordable childcare right now will be happy to know that funding will focus on creating new spaces in communities where they are needed the most.”

Alberta Association of Child Care Operators president Cynthia Nerling spoke at the news conference on Tuesday, October 10, 2023.

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She said the province is moving in the right direction.

“I’m confident this grant expansion will lead to more choice and stability for kids and their families,” said Nerling. “I hope it will also lead to increased support and predictability for a sector that has continued to innovate and grow through so many challenges and so much uncertainty.”

The Alberta Government has a goal of creating 68,700 new, affordable licensed spaces by 2026.

That is also the year in which the provincial and federal governments hope to have implemented a $10 per day childcare program in Alberta, which was first announced in 2021.

The deal is worth $3.8 billion and is fully funded by Ottawa.

READ MORE: Alberta & Ottawa announce $10/day child care program

When the Alberta-Canada Wide Early Learning and Child Care agreement was first announced, funding was set to only be meant for publicly-operated spaces. That changed in early 2023 when privately-run centres were included as well.

Since then, Turton said childcare fees have already been reduced by an average of 50 per cent.

READ MORE: Private operators to also be included in Alberta child care expansion

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