The advocacy group Child Care Now is applauding news that the federal government has set aside an additional $5.4-billion over the next two years for the early learning sector.

The group was part of a national coalition that lobbied Ottawa for more support. They believe the new money is “proof that sustained advocacy works.”

Now, the group wants the provincial government to follow Ottawa’s lead and increase its own spending.

Committee chair Yolande Pottie-Sherman says they want to see a “renewal of child care space creation” because they believe that process has stalled.

Pottie-Sherman says they also want to see action on improved wages for ECEs.

She says the new federal funding removes the provincial government’s “excuse” that “there is no money” and she hopes some new progress will be made.