Some Saskatchewan childcare centres participating in the $10-a-day program have begun announcing additional fees to help offset rising operating expenses, according to a report by Wayne Mantyka.
New Fees Announced at Participating Centres
Centres across the province are implementing extra charges on top of the $10 daily rate, which was designed to make childcare more affordable for families. The additional fees are intended to cover costs such as supplies, meals, and extended hours, which are not fully covered by the provincial funding.
Parents have expressed concerns that the added costs could undermine the program's goal of providing accessible childcare. One parent, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, "We thought $10-a-day would be the final price, but now we're facing extra charges that add up quickly."
Impact on Families
The new fees vary by centre and can range from $5 to $20 per day for optional services, but some centres have made them mandatory. This has sparked debate about the program's effectiveness in reducing the financial burden on families.
According to the report, the Saskatchewan government has acknowledged the issue and is reviewing the funding model to ensure centres can operate sustainably without passing costs onto parents. A spokesperson for the Ministry of Education stated, "We are committed to the $10-a-day program and will work with centres to address any challenges."
Broader Context
The $10-a-day childcare initiative is part of a national effort to lower childcare costs across Canada. However, Saskatchewan centres have reported that the provincial funding does not fully cover operational expenses, leading to the need for additional fees. Similar issues have been reported in other provinces, raising questions about the long-term viability of the program.
As of July 2026, approximately 60% of eligible centres in Saskatchewan have joined the program, with more expected to participate in the coming months. The government has pledged to increase funding in the next budget to address the shortfall.
