New Federal Early Learning and Child Care Funding
The Saskatchewan Early Childhood Association (SECA) welcomes the Government of Canada's announcement of up to $5.4 billion in additional funding over the next two years to support the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) system.
This investment recognizes the critical role that affordable, accessible, inclusive, and high-quality early learning and child care plays in supporting children, families, communities, and Saskatchewan's economy. Continued federal investment provides important stability while governments work toward long-term solutions that strengthen and sustain the sector.
SECA remains committed to advocating for the needs of the early learning and child care sector and ensuring the experiences and perspectives of our members are represented in conversations that shape the future of early learning and child care. Our advocacy is informed by ongoing member engagement, sector research, and discussions with stakeholders across Saskatchewan.
Over the past several months, SECA has continued to engage with government officials, policymakers, and sector partners at both the provincial and federal levels to discuss the realities facing programs across Saskatchewan. Most recently, SECA met with Saskatchewan's Minister of Education to share feedback from members and discuss issues impacting the sustainability of child care programs. SECA has also participated in meetings with representatives from the Early Years Branch alongside sector stakeholders to discuss current priorities and opportunities to strengthen early learning and child care across the province.
Through our ongoing advocacy and member engagement efforts, we continue to hear from programs operating in a variety of communities and circumstances. While experiences vary, many providers have identified the importance of funding approaches that support long-term sustainability, workforce recruitment and retention, and the ability to meet the unique needs of their communities.
SECA's advocacy is guided by the experiences of our members and informed by ongoing research, engagement, and conversations with the sector. By collecting feedback and identifying emerging trends, we are able to bring forward evidence-informed perspectives that help policymakers better understand both the opportunities and challenges facing Saskatchewan's early learning and child care system.
We are encouraged by today's funding announcement and are hopeful it will contribute to meaningful investments that strengthen the sector and support the continued delivery of high-quality early learning and child care services. As further details become available, SECA will continue to advocate for equitable funding approaches that recognize the diversity of programs across Saskatchewan and support the long-term sustainability of the sector.
SECA remains committed to working constructively with governments, sector partners, and stakeholders while maintaining an independent voice that reflects the needs and priorities of our members. We will continue to engage in policy discussions, share sector perspectives, and advocate for solutions that support children, families, educators, and child care programs throughout Saskatchewan.
Read the full statement from the Minister of Jobs and Families here.