The governments of Saskatchewan and Canada are investing $10.8 million to expand child care services at post-secondary institutions across the province.
The funding, through the federal Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) Infrastructure Fund, will create 450 new spaces at Saskatchewan Polytechnic campuses in Regina, Prince Albert, Moose Jaw and Saskatoon, and another 90 at Northlands College in La Ronge.
The new spaces will include 30 per cent reserved for families facing barriers to access, such as children with disabilities. The centres are expected to serve students, faculty and staff, while also being used as training sites for early childhood education students.
"This initiative will increase child care in these communities and support early learning and child care students through work-integrated learning opportunities," Saskatchewan Education Minister Everett Hindley said. "These early learning and child care centres will serve children, students, faculty and the broader community supporting our commitment to making Saskatchewan the best place to work, live and raise a family."
Federal officials said the investment will help strengthen access to affordable care.
"Child care spaces on campuses across Saskatchewan will help children grow and help families to get ahead," said Anna Gainey, Canada’s Secretary of State for Children and Youth. "When early childhood education spaces are available for fees Canadians can actually afford, it supports families' financial security and lets parents build their careers in a growing workforce."
Saskatchewan Polytechnic said the expansion will also support its students directly.
"We appreciate the provincial and federal government's investment in our campus communities and are excited to start planning for the new child care centres," said Dr. Larry Rosia, president and CEO of Saskatchewan Polytechnic. "The centres will enrich the learning experience for Early Childhood Education students, giving them the opportunity to practice their skills and interact with children as part of their daily learning."
Since the launch of the Canada-Saskatchewan Canada-Wide ELCC Agreement in 2021, the province says more than 23,000 spaces have been announced or are in development, with a goal of creating 28,000 new licensed spaces by March 2026.
The agreement also includes funding to support the early childhood education workforce. Up to $18.5 million is set aside in the 2025-26 fiscal year for tuition-free training seats, practicum placements and over 3,000 micro-credential programs.