Manitoba has announced an increase in funding for licensed and funded child-care professionals on July 1. The funding will increase by 2.75% in 2024-25, with $10.3 million coming from Ottawa and $600,000 from Manitoba. This additional funding will help child-care facilities increase wages to meet the wage grid levels set by the province. The goal is to expand the child-care system by 23,000 spaces by 2026, and this funding will help support that target.
In addition to the wage increase, base operating grants for licensed and provincially funded child-care facilities have also increased by five percent on April 1. This increase in funding, at a cost of $6.42 million to Manitoba and $2.55 million to Ottawa, is part of a five-year agreement between the federal and provincial governments. Under this agreement, Manitoba will receive $1.2 billion in federal funding over five years for its $10-a-day child-care programs and to improve access to facility spaces.
Manitoba is also conducting a review into the wage and benefits framework for employees in the child-care sector. Consultations with the sector are currently underway, and the review is expected to be completed in 2025. This review is aimed at ensuring that child-care professionals are fairly compensated for their work and have access to appropriate benefits. The province is committed to supporting the growth and development of the child-care sector to provide quality care for children.
The increase in funding for child-care professionals is part of the government’s efforts to improve access to affordable child care in Manitoba. By investing in wages and operating grants for child-care facilities, the government aims to support the expansion of the child-care system and create more spaces for children in need of care. The funding will help ensure that licensed and funded child-care professionals are adequately compensated for their work and can continue to provide quality care.
This funding announcement comes as part of a broader commitment by the federal and provincial governments to support child-care services in Manitoba. The five-year agreement between the two levels of government is aimed at improving access to affordable child care and enhancing the quality of care provided. By working together, the federal and provincial governments are able to invest in the future of child care in Manitoba and ensure that families have access to the services they need.
Overall, the increase in funding for child-care professionals in Manitoba is a positive step towards improving the quality of care provided to children in the province. By investing in wages and operating grants, the government is helping to support the growth and development of the child-care sector. The ongoing review of the wage and benefits framework shows the government’s commitment to ensuring that child-care professionals are fairly compensated for their important work.