The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
The Manitoba government is funding 900 new child-care spaces across the province while limiting hikes in fees paid by parents. The province announced last week that it will invest $9.1 million to open 900 more spaces this year, part of its goal of funding 6,500 child-care slots by 2014. And for the next two years, early learning and child-care fees now paid by parents will be allowed to rise annually by no more than 35 cents a day for school-age children and no more than one dollar a day for younger children. Family Services Minister Jennifer Howard said quality, reliable child care 'means parents are able to work and our kids are getting the care they need to get them the best start possible.' 'We're committed to protecting and improving the things that matter most to families,' added Howard. 'That's why over the last 12 years we've more than doubled the province's commitment to improving child care while keeping daily parent fees flat and the second most affordable in the country.' Howard said the province will also build on its commitment to increase wages and introduce a provincewide pension plan for child-care workers by beginning consultations on standardized wages. 'These changes are very good news for early learning and child-care service providers,' said Pat Wege, executive director of the Manitoba Child Care Association. 'Increased funding will help recruit and retain educators, improve program quality and support new spaces for children.' The new fees will take effect on July 1. Fees will increase by the same amount on July 1, 2013. _ Compiled from a Government of Manitoba news release
