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For profit vs. not-for-profit
Under the agreement it signed with the federal government in 2021, Alberta pledged to use nearly $4 billion in federal funds to "prioritize not-for-profit" daycare expansion.
The text of that agreement reads: "Alberta commits to creating a minimum of 42,500 not-for-profit spaces over the next five years."
The terms of the deal also say Alberta "may create up to 26,200 for-profit spaces," for a target of 68,700 new spaces, in total, by the end of the agreement in 2026.
Seven provinces and all three territories have signed on to new federal agreements through 2031, while Ontario has reached an agreement in principle. Alberta and Saskatchewan have not reached new agreements with Ottawa.
As of March, the province says roughly 19,500 for-profit spaces have been created under the federal-provincial program, and approximately 3,000 additional spaces have been allocated to programs with previously approved space-creation grants.
Montgomery says the province informed her it will no longer qualify new facilities for funding except in a handful of communities where demand for child care is especially high, which doesn't include Nanton.
'Hang tight, sit by the phone'
Demetrios Nicolaides is the new minister responsible for child care in Alberta, after a cabinet shuffle last week.
He told reporters Wednesday the province needs to ensure "adequate access to child-care spaces" in areas where there is the highest demand.
"We're providing funding to areas where it's needed the most to help alleviate demand," he said. "So it's largely driven by demand pressure."
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'It might break us'
In a written statement to CBC News, Nicolaides said he understands the situation is "disappointing for those hardworking entrepreneurs opening new programs without the same access to funding as their peers in the sector."
"Alberta continues to push for more flexibility, in the current agreement as well as the next, because providers and parents deserve better," he said. "We will continue good-faith negotiations with the federal government for a well-funded early learning and child-care agreement that is free of arbitrary restrictions, treats all providers equitably and targets supports to families most in need."
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