The Current Have governments delivered on $10 a day childcare?
Dec 11, 2025
Carolyn Ferns, a public policy advocate for affordable child care, joins Kerry McCuaig, an early childhood policy expert, and Julia Smith, a Winnipeg parent sharing her struggles with wait lists, to discuss the $10-a-day child care initiative. They explore the successes and limitations of the program, such as its impact on affordability versus accessibility, and the barriers faced by families with irregular work schedules. The experts highlight the pressing need for public investment and policy reform to genuinely benefit all families.
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Parental Hunt For Daycare Spots
- Julia Smith got on over 60 daycare wait lists while pregnant and remains on 56 lists even after securing an infant spot.
- She pays $10 a day plus $2 for snacks and contrasted that with private care costing up to $2,000 a month.
Spot Isn’t Always Permanent
- Julia described the stress of potentially losing her spot when her child ages out and having to keep searching those dozens of lists.
- She emphasized the developmental benefits her daughter gained and called the daycare life-changing.
Affordability Alone Isn’t Enough
- Kerry McCuaig noted the $10-a-day plan delivered affordability but fell short on quality, inclusion for special needs, and accountability.
- Auditor generals flagged that the program underdelivers on those promised non-cost components.