The government of Canada and the government of Saskatchewan have announced an investment of over $41 million to go towards improving access to quality childcare. 

"It's going to create some great opportunities," shared Education Minister, Gordon Wyant, "for increased childcare space in the province. It's going to provide some great opportunities for parents for additional childcare spaces. We've expanded the number of childcare spaces in the province over the years but certainly, this amount of money over three years from the federal government is going to be a great investment."

"This is very good news and we're thankful to the federal government for that."

The funding will create approximately 2,500 new child care spaces. It will also help provide early learning for at least 220 preschool-aged children with disabilities who require extra support and expand opportunities for Francophone families.  

"There a lot of parents who want to return to the workforce early, who want to perhaps look for new educational opportunities for themselves to get back to the workforce. And we know that providing early years education to youngsters is important. This is really a good opportunity, not just for parents but for children because early learning is very important. If you look at a number of the studies and a number of the experts, they'll tell you that the earlier the children can get access to good quality educational programming, that's good."

He added that some of the funding will go towards training for early childhood educators, licensed family childcare home providers and child care centre providers.

"Part of the programming that came from the federal government does provide for some assistance in that area in terms of training. there will be some opportunities to provide some additional funding. We think it's pretty important."

It will also provide support for families in remote and rural areas who often have difficulties finding suitable childcare. 

"And that's something that we hear from a number of communities around the province. That's something the federal government was conscious of when they put this program together."

"We know how important early years are for making a difference in children's lives. This is a significant investment in the children in the province. We have more work to do of course, but certainly, the federal government's recognition of that is important."