Child care advocates in Saskatchewan are raising alarm over the implications of the province’s extended child care agreement with the federal government, which was announced last November. While the deal is designed to provide affordable $10-a-day child care for families with children up to six years old who will finish their school year in the next budget cycle, advocates note that this change could inadvertently lead to higher costs for some parents. They expected the agreement to cover all children turning six this year, regardless of the specific timing of the new policy's implementation.

The chair of Child Care Now Saskatchewan, Cara Werner, highlighted the confusion surrounding the agreement’s age eligibility and its introduction date. Many families, depending on their children's birthdays, may find themselves ineligible for the $10-a-day rate if their children turn six before the new deal begins on April 1. This situation creates a potential financial burden for families who may have anticipated lower fees based on the previous agreement, leading to frustration amongst advocates who feel that the needs of Saskatchewan families are not being fully met.

The new agreement aims to provide continuity for families, yet the reaction from advocates suggests a gap between government intentions and the actual impact felt by parents. As families prepare for the transitional period between agreements, continued advocacy for clearer information and better support policies will be crucial to ensure that the benefits of child care affordability are equitably distributed across the province.