Cheers and jeers for child-care
And a mask-less mea culpa
ABOVE THE FOLD
The daycare deal has officially dropped, to mixed reaction.
— What’s in it: Ontario’s package with the feds runs over six years instead of five, which is what the rest of the provinces got, and to the tune of $13.2 billion, more than the initial $10.2 billion offer (that includes $2.9 billion in the sixth year of funding, something Ontario was holding out for).
It’s expected to bring child-care fees down to an average of $10 a day by the end of 2025 and create 86,000 new spaces (though that includes about 15,000 pre-existing spots).
While details are scant, the agreement also includes hiring more early childhood educators with “improved compensation.” Context: The Association of Early Childhood Educators of Ontario has called for a $25 base wage.
Parents can expect rebates retroactive to April 1, with checks in the mail beginning in May — the start of the election campaign.
— Oppo reacts: Green Leader MIKE SCHREINER said it’s about time a deal was inked, and…