The Alberta government has announced its decision to withdraw from the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP), sparking discussions among other industries who also want to opt out of their respective federal programs. Premier Danielle Smith wrote a letter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau citing concerns that the CDCP duplicates publicly funded dental coverage that is already available to many Albertans. Similar sentiments are echoed by Krystal Churcher, chair of the Association of Alberta Childcare Entrepreneurs, who believes that the federal $10/day childcare program is not working as intended. Churcher argues that operators are not receiving enough funding to provide quality programming, leading to rolling closures and potential permanent shutdowns of childcare services in the province.
Every province and territory in Canada has signed on to the federal $10/day childcare deal, which aims to reduce childcare costs for families to $10 a day by 2025. In exchange for federal funding, provinces must implement the federal vision, which also includes an increase in wages for childcare workers. Churcher’s association is urging the Alberta government to reconsider its approach to the program, expressing concerns that the current strategy could result in the collapse of high-quality childcare services in the province. Matt Jones, Alberta’s minister of jobs, economy and trade, stated that the province is committed to building a sustainable childcare system that provides high-quality, accessible, and affordable services for Alberta families. The government is working with childcare providers and the federal government to ensure that the agreement meets the needs of Alberta families and the mixed-market childcare system.
Churcher believes that there is still time for the provincial government to make changes to the childcare program and address the concerns raised by operators in the industry. She hopes that the premier will champion for childcare in the same way she has for other industries in the province. The childcare industry is facing challenges due to a lack of adequate funding, which has resulted in difficulties in providing quality programming and services to families. Rolling closures and potential permanent shutdowns are becoming a reality for many operators, highlighting the urgent need for the government to reassess its approach to the $10/day childcare program.
The Association of Alberta Childcare Entrepreneurs is pushing the province to steer clear of the federal government’s $10/day childcare deal, arguing that operators were coerced into signing agreements under duress and are now facing the withholding of critical funding. The association believes that the federal government negotiated vague agreements with the provinces behind closed doors, dictating terms in one-sided discussions, which is unacceptable. The lack of sufficient funding for childcare operators has put a strain on the industry, jeopardizing the delivery of quality childcare services to Alberta families. Premier Danielle Smith’s decision to withdraw from the CDCP has brought attention to the challenges faced by other industries in their respective federal programs, prompting discussions on the need for a more sustainable and effective approach to childcare and dental care services in the province.
In conclusion, the Alberta government’s withdrawal from the Canadian Dental Care Plan has sparked concerns among other industries, such as childcare, that are also grappling with challenges in their federal programs. The Association of Alberta Childcare Entrepreneurs is urging the provincial government to rethink its approach to the $10/day childcare deal, citing issues with funding, programming, and potential closures in the industry. There is still time for the government to make changes and address the concerns raised by operators in the childcare sector. It is essential for the government to work collaboratively with childcare providers and the federal government to ensure that the program meets the needs of Alberta families and supports the sustainability of high-quality childcare services in the province.
