The federal and Saskatchewan governments have agreed to extend the $10-a-day child-care program in the province for an additional five years, starting in the 2026-27 fiscal year. The announcement was made at the Regina YMCA by Saskatchewan Education Minister Everett Hindley and Buckley Belanger, the Secretary of State for Rural Development.
The extension includes the renewal of the Canada-Saskatchewan Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement, along with the bilateral agreement, commencing in 2026-27. The new deal involves a federal commitment of $1.6 billion over multiple years, with a three-percent annual increase in base funding from 2027-28 onwards.
Under the extended agreement, children who turn six while in kindergarten will now be eligible to receive $10-a-day care until the end of the school year. This expansion has been welcomed by Cara Werner, the director of Southeast Childcare Now, who sees it as a positive step.
Additionally, the agreement includes a one-year extension of the Early Learning and Child Care Infrastructure Fund until 2026-27. The latest development allows for-profit daycares to participate in the subsidized program, subject to meeting the necessary regulations and requirements.
Advocates have long been advocating for fair funding models and permanent wage grids for daycare workers. The province has allocated over $171 million from April 2021 to September 2025 towards wage enhancements, training, and professional development for early childhood education professionals.
Since 2021, more than 23,000 new child-care spaces have been announced in Saskatchewan, aiming to provide families with greater flexibility in balancing work and family life. The news has been met with relief and excitement by daycares and parents, with many acknowledging the positive impact of the extended agreement on families and childcare providers.