NDP MLA Josie Osborne says new child care spaces will make a difference for families in Port Alberni, Tofino, and Ucluelet
TOFINO – New Democrat MLA Josie Osborne says that families across the Mid Island and West Coast will benefit from new child care spaces that are opening across School District 70.
“Accessible child care is such a crucial aspect of building strong and resilient communities,” said Josie Osborne, MLA for Mid Island – Pacific Rim. “Families in our Mid Island and West Coast communities know how important child care is, not just for kids, but for the whole family. These new spaces are going to make an incredible difference for families, giving parents the ability to pursue work, education, or other opportunities, while having the peace of mind that their children are safe and supported.”
The following new child care spaces are coming to SD70:
- Magnolia School Age Care; 22 school-aged spaces
- ?u?aa(t)uk ^Ta^na -Taking Care of Children; 76 spaces (12 under 3 years; 16 2.5 to school-aged, 40 school-aged)
- The Children’s Grove; 44 spaces (16 2.5 to school-aged, 20 school-aged, 8 multi-age)
The province is providing $23.5 million from the ChildCareBC New Spaces fund to create 640 new child care spaces in 12 communities around B.C. The New Spaces Fund is jointly supported by provincial investments and federal funding under the 2021-2022 to 2025-2026 Canada-British Columbia Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement. British Columbia and the federal government signed an extension to the agreement for 2026-2027 to 2030-2031.
Once open, families will benefit from affordable child care fees, through the Province’s fee reduction program, which reduces the cost of child care by up to $900 per child per month. Families that need additional support with the cost of child care may also be eligible for the Affordable Child Care Benefit.