Manitoba announces 700 new child-care spaces

Meeting parents and children where they need it, that was the message Tuesday, as the Manitoba and Federal government announced plans to open 700 new child-care spaces in the province.

With the goal of bringing 324 spaces to health-care facilities, nearly 300 to schools, and 128 to post-secondary institutions.

“Why wouldn’t we build a facility on campus or at the hospital itself?  That’s what I mean by meeting parents and kids where they are,” said Jenna Sudds, Canada’s Minister of Families, Children and Social Development.

“We are giving parents more choice by announcing, more than 700 new affordable child care cases here in Manitoba.”

This announcement comes after the two governments agreed to the Early Learning and Child Care Infrastructure Fund earlier this month, which will see over $20 million directed towards the need.

“We know that access to child care promotes equity by providing opportunities for more parents and caregivers to achieve their education and employment goals while their children are able to reap the benefits of quality early learning environments,” said Tracy Schmidt, Manitoba’s Minister of Education and Early Childhood Learning.

The health-care facilities receiving spaces include Brandon Regional Health Centre, St. Boniface Hospital, and Riverview Health Centre.