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$10-a-day daycare to roll out in N.W.T. in April, 2 years ahead of schedule

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Announcement comes after years of controversy over program
Author: 
Holden, Robert
Format: 
Article
Publication Date: 
22 Feb 2024
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Excerpts

Two years ahead of schedule, a federal plan to cut the cost of regulated child care spaces to $10 a day is set to become a reality in the N.W.T.

Jenna Sudds, the federal Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, made the announcement Thursday alongside Caitlin Cleveland, the N.W.T.'s Minister of Education, Culture and Employment.

"It's a critical part of life for many families," Sudds said. "Without access to high-quality, affordable and accessible childcare, parents cannot fully participate in the economy."

...

Over the past two years, both governments say they have spent roughly $4.6 million combined in wage top-ups for early childhood educators in the N.W.T.

...

Cleveland said there continues to be a strong demand for daycare across the territory, and 14 communities still do not have a licensed facility.

She said attracting and retaining childcare workers continues to be a top priority, and the territory plans to use a wage grid to appropriately regulate wages in the sector.