CUPE Saskatchewan is urging the provincial government to strongly advocate for the continued success and expansion of the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) program ahead of upcoming ministerial meetings. In a letter sent to Minister of Education Everett Hindley, CUPE Saskatchewan President Kent Peterson outlined concerns about the uncertainty facing Saskatchewan families, child care workers, and centres.
“Parents and workers in Saskatchewan have seen real benefits from the CWELCC program,” said Peterson. “Reduced fees and tuition‑free training and wage enhancements for early childhood educators have made a meaningful difference. However, without long‑term stability and stronger provincial support, we risk losing the progress we’ve made.”
Saskatchewan continues to fall short of its promised 46,000 child care spaces by March 2026, and CUPE warns that many families remain in child care deserts.
In his letter, Peterson called on the provincial government to:
- Increase provincial funding for early learning and child care beyond the 3% annual federal funding.
- Initiate a bargaining process with child care workers and their unions to create a province‑wide wage grid that improves wages and provides pension and benefits.
- Ensure public funds support public and non‑profit operators, including using public buildings such as schools, hospitals, and universities, to house child care services.
“With ministers from across Canada meeting next week, Saskatchewan has an opportunity to advocate for affordable, accessible, and high-quality child care,” Peterson said. “We’re ready to work with the province to strengthen the system and ensure the program lives up to its original goals.”