Alberta announces average fee of $15-a-day for licensed child care

In a significant step towards affordable child care, Alberta has announced an average fee of $15-a-day for licensed child care, effective January 1, 2024. 

 

This development is part of the Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement, aiming for $10-a-day child care by March 2026. 

 

The reduction could save Alberta families up to $13,700 annually per child. 

 

This initiative is part of a broader effort to make child care more accessible and support the workforce, particularly mothers. 

 

The federal government's investment in this program exceeds $3.8 billion over five years for Alberta alone. 

 

This move not only aids families but also contributes to economic growth by enabling parents to re-enter the workforce. 

 

 Jenna Sudds, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development said, “Today’s announcement marks significant progress in creating a strong child care system that makes life more affordable for Alberta families. This fee reduction means families could be saving up to $13,700 a year, leaving more money in the pockets of parents to help them afford other essentials. I look forward to continuing to work with the province towards our shared goal of an average fee of $10-a-day child care so every family has access to high-quality, affordable, flexible and inclusive child care.”

 

Additionally, Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages said in a statement that the federal government “heard from Canadians and took action in 2021 to lower child care fees for Albertans, saving families thousands of dollars each month. Providing $15 a day child care is a life changer – allowing parents to return to work, children to receive adequate care and learning opportunities and to allow our economy to grow.”