Federal and provincial officials have partnered on a one-year agreement to ensure families have more access to early learning and child care.
The deal provides nearly $10 million for New Brunswick.
The federal minister responsible for families and children, Ahmed Hussen, said parents have concerns about sending their kids to school or daycare during the pandemic.
“I want to reassure Canadians that our priority is the health and well-being of everyone. Now more than ever before, Canadians need access to safe, quality, affordable and accessible child care,” Hussen said.
Access to affordable, high-quality early learning and child-care services is important for NB families and the economy. We’ve extended our funding agreement with the federal government…
(1/2) pic.twitter.com/QSFNLCFEPP— Government of NB (@Gov_NB) November 4, 2020
Provincial education minister Dominic Cardy said when everyone else was staying home, early childhood educators stepped out, went out and served their communities.
“They gave a lot and risked a lot and it’s entirely appropriate that as we talk here about extending support for that sector, something I am very pleased to see the federal government helping with, we can also take a moment to recognize the incredible sacrifices they made. Not just here in New Brunswick but right across the country,” Cardy said.
Cardy said the pandemic has made one thing clear, access to child care is not a luxury but an essential service.