Nova Scotia is hopeful it will meet its goal to create 9,500 new childcare spaces by 2026.
On Wednesday, Elwin LaRoux, deputy minister for the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, gave an update on the province’s work to reach its 2026 target.
An agreement between the provincial and federal government made in 2021 says Nova Scotia will receive $605 million in federal funding for childcare over five years. LaRoux said the province is on track to meet its goal with 3,800 childcare centres built so far or over 40 per cent of the 9,500 target.
The 9,500 target was made in 2021. Between Oct. 1, 2022 and Oct. 1, 2023, Nova Scotia’s population increased by 30,750 people.
MLA for Halifax Atlantic Brendan McGuire says the number of daycares needed can’t be calculated without knowing the accurate number of families in need of daycare services.
