The Mi’kmaw Cultural Foundation is eager to open up a new childcare centre in the Stephenville area, but say they have been left cooling their heels due to numerous delays by the provincial government.

President and CEO Jeffrey Young says the organization has been going through the process for the Childcare Capacity Initiative – which gives funding to non-profits and communities to open up childcare centers.
He says they submitted their initial application in January and, ultimately, their first payment in March.

At that point, Young immediately requested to submit a phase two application but was told that the government wasn’t going to accept any more applications until the end of April.

That application has been submitted, but Young argues the delays have been “a bit too much,” especially given the need that is being seen across the province.

“We’re tired of delays; the service is needed.” He notes that there are parents debating leaving the community entirely and moving somewhere where they can more easily access childcare.