DAWSON CREEK, B.C. – The province announced Wednesday an investment for almost 120 new licensed child care spaces, including 83 that should be open by the fall.
Through four projects supported by the B.C. government, Dawson Creek will see 24 new spaces, Fort Nelson will add 55.5, Quesnel will get 34, and four spaces will be added in Valemount.
An additional 10 projects have been funded in the north since Childcare BC launched in July 2018, including the YMCA Anne Roberts Young Care and Learning Centre. In September 2020, the opening of the child care centre added 89 new licensed child care spots in Fort St. John.
Secretary-Treasurer for School District 60, Angela Telford, says the district is excited to have another successful partnership with the YMCA.
“We look forward to future partnerships with the ministry to build capacity for child care in Fort St. John. We have recently opened three before and after-school care programs in the district, and we have two more coming in the next school year,” says Telford.
Thousands of families are already feeling the life-changing impact of affordable child care, says Katrina Chen, Minister of State for Child Care.
“As we continue to build towards an inclusive universal child care system, these new spaces will make it easier for parents, especially mothers, to pursue their own goals while also being part of B.C.’s economic recovery,” says Chen.
As a result of the Childcare BC investments in Peace River South, Peace River North, Cariboo North, and Prince George-Valemount, parents in these regions have saved $1.7 million, $2.9 million, $3.8 million, and $7.1 million, respectively.
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