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P.E.I. daycare operators say province's 25% cut to support staff puts them in 'a tough position'

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‘The province can’t afford to shoulder that,' says education minister
Author: 
Grillo de Lambarri, Giuliana
Format: 
Article
Publication Date: 
29 Apr 2026
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Excerpts

P.E.I.'s education and early years minister says the province is reducing its funding for support staff in early childhood centres by one-quarter — a cut of around $1.4 million.

Robin Croucher said the money for pedagogical support helps operators cover the cost of the extra staff who can help with daily tasks. 

Croucher said he had no choice but to make the decision for budgetary reasons. Earlier this month, P.E.I. projected a record-breaking $410-million deficit for the 2026-27 fiscal year. 

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Liberal MLA and Opposition education critic Carolyn Simpson took aim at the cuts during question period in the legislature Wednesday.

She said the slashing of funding will put strain on an already stretched industry. 

“The early childhood sector is simply outraged,” Simpson said. “If you think cutting books and bike rebates had public outcry, just wait.”

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