Education Minister Krista Lynn Howell, Long Range Mountains MP Gudie Hutchings, and St. John’s East MP Joanne Thompson recently provided an update on child-care access in Newfoundland and Labrador. The province had initially announced plans for about 160 new $10-a-day child-care spaces designed for families with irregular working hours to be ready by May. However, nearly nine months later, these spaces are still not available in St. John’s, Bonavista, and Corner Brook.
At the construction site for a new child-care center on St. Michael’s Avenue in St. John’s, Education Minister Krista Lynn Howell cited logistical issues and safety regulations as the reasons for the delays. She mentioned that they have overcome most of these obstacles and are on track to open the St. Michael’s Avenue location in a few months. Additionally, Howell stated that a large portion of the spaces currently in development will open this year.
Despite the delays, the child-care center offering irregular hours in Labrador is already operational, contributing to the 10,100 spaces operating in Newfoundland and Labrador at $10 a day or less. Approximately 1,600 spaces are currently in various stages of development, with plans to open the St. Michael’s Avenue location in the fall.
Furthermore, the province announced a three-year plan and pilot project to expand child care, early learning services, and provider hours. Federal cabinet minister Gudie Hutchings emphasized the need for options that fit parents‘ busy work schedules, especially those who work shift work or rotational shifts. The pilot project will provide parents with up to 13 hours of care overnight and outside the usual 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. schedule at three locations.
In addition to the pilot project, the province is creating 200 child-care spaces specifically for health-care workers in various locations. This initiative aims to provide peace of mind for parents knowing that their children are in appropriate care while they are at work.
However, the federal opposition criticized the announcement, calling it a mere photo op and stating that wait-lists for child-care spaces continue to grow across Canada. Conservative critic Michelle Ferreri expressed concerns about the delays and inefficiencies in the child-care system under the current government.
Overall, the update on child-care access in Newfoundland and Labrador highlights the challenges and progress in expanding child-care services to meet the needs of families with irregular working hours. Despite the delays, efforts are being made to address the growing demand for affordable and accessible child care in the province.