Listen Live

B.C. families could see childcare costs cut by 50% by December

The federal and provincial governments are spending more money to help lower childcare costs for thousands of B.C. families and the savings will be in effect by Dec. 1.

The province will be directly funding licensed child care centres. This means families won’t have to apply for the savings.

B.C. government officials said families will save as much as an additional $550 per month for each child they have in participating licensed childcare centres.

This is on top of the up to $350 a month savings first introduced in 2018.

For example, a family with a 10-month-old and a three-year-old in group care could save as much as $11,940 more per year, in addition to the $5,400 per year they are already saving.

Federal government officials said this will bring B.C. closer to the province-wide average of $10-a-day childcare for children under six.

“The Canada-British Columbia Canada-wide early learning and childcare agreement that we signed just over a year ago puts families first, and will ensure every child has access to high-quality, affordable, accessible childcare,” said Karina Gould, federal Minister of Families, Children and Social Development in a release.

“With hundreds of dollars in savings, this investment will provide much-needed support to reduce the cost of living for families with young children.”

By the end of 2022, provincial officials say the number of $10-a-day childcare centres will be nearly doubled to 12,500.

 

Josiah Spyker
Josiah Spyker
Josiah is an integral part of our East Kootenay team. Since joining Vista Radio in 2021, he has combined his love of community and sport in his reporting for the news team, while also stepping in as an on-air announcer.

Continue Reading

ckcv Now playing play

- Advertisement -

Related Articles

- Advertisement -

Latest News

Council calls for mural proposals

Help Creston brighten up the heart of town, with a new mural marked for the old Ambulance Building on 10th Ave North.

WestJet adding more flights on B.C. routes

WestJet is increasing the frequency of several B.C. routes, starting next week. 

CFIA recalls brand of jarred anchovies due to histamine

A brand of jarred anchovies has been recalled in British Columbia and multiple other provinces.

B.C. boosts funding to expand RCMP hate crime unit

British Columbia is significantly expanding the RCMP’s provincial hate crimes unit.

RCMP vehicle sparks wildfire north of Lytton

A wildfire burning near Lytton grew to over 1.5 square kilometres Thursday and has been declared a wildfire of note by the B.C. Wildfire Service.
- Advertisement -