The federal government is giving the province $13.7-million over the next four years to help expand access to childcare spaces.
Federal Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, Jenna Sudds, made the announcement today at the site of a new YMCA daycare targeted at healthcare workers in St. John’s.
The goal of the funds, $9.8-million of which will be given out in the 2025-2026 fiscal, is to help with the creation of spaces in rural and remote areas, as well as families in communities that face barriers to childcare.
Federal Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, Jenna Sudds
Sudds says the money is a response to the increased need for childcare and responds to the calls of parents who are still waiting for a space.
One such new daycare centre is being opened by the YMCA on Austin Street in St. John’s, which will be geared specifically toward healthcare professionals.
The site has currently been stripped down to its bare bones.
President and CEO Jason Brown says they plan to have five homerooms, each with a capacity for 16 children, and will be for a mix of toddlers and preschoolers.
In total, they will have space for about 80 children, and will have upwards of 10 staff working at the site .
