Article author:
The Canadian Press
Emily Blake
YELLOWKNIFE — Early Learning and Children - Healthcare in the Northwest Territories Donors say they expect more support to come following the difficult initial rollout of federal funding in the Territory.
The N.W.T. We need to create 230 more spaces by 2026.
However, after the Territory implemented childcare fee reduction subsidies for parents and guardians in her April, several providers have made changes related to that funding, such as fee increase caps. I expressed my concerns about the regulations. They also said the subsidy failed to address the lack of staffing and available space, which they said should be a priority. Yvette Cooper, who is a member of the , said the way the funds were deployed made it harder for nurseries and day homes to stay open, leading to a growing wait list. No problem," she said.
"You can't do good for your family unless you do good for your provider."
R.J. Simpson, the Territory's Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, told Parliament in May All but three of the 98 organizations that provide and charge for childcare in N.W.T.
According to the ministry, 67 new childcare spaces have been created so far and it plans to offer at least 300 new spaces by 2026.
In the first year, the subsidy is granted and prohibited from increasing N.W.T. day home and day care provider fees above 2.3%.
With inflation below current rates, her Patricia Davidson, president of the NWT Early Childhood Association, said hiring and retaining staff is the biggest challenge for early learning and childcare programs in the region. said.
"The sector is in a very tough spot right now," she said. "What we are seeing is a sector where staff are underpaid."
The Territory government continues to talk to early learning and child care providers and promises improvements. There are still concerns, but Cooper and Davidson said they hope support for staff will come.
"We try to be optimistic," said Davidson. "But it needs to come soon. If it doesn't come soon, more programs will be closed." said to introduce. We plan to implement the wage grid and certification process by 2024-2025.
Karina Gould, the federal minister for families, children and social development, was recently in Yellowknife and spoke with Simpson and local childcare providers.
"I think it's good for everyone to have a little patience," she said.
"I think this is a very exciting time in the Northwest Territories."
This Canadian press report was first published on August 17, 2022. rice field.
This article was funded by Meta and a Canadian Press News Fellowship.
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