The GNWT is now working on developing additional childcare spaces across the North.
Earlier this week, it was announced that $10.6 million will be invested in building more inclusive childcare locations across the NWT over the course of four years. The goal is to have at least 300 new childcare spaces constructed by the end of 2026.
This money is being provided by the federal government’s Early Learning and Childcare Infrastructure Fund, which has divided $625 million across every province and territory. The Government of Canada is attempting to help families save as much as $14,300 on childcare services every year, per child.
In a statement, Michael McLeod, Member of Parliament for the Northwest Territories, said that “I regularly hear from families and child care providers that a lack of infrastructure is one of the biggest barriers to achieving affordable child care in communities across the Northwest Territories. With this investment, we are helping to ensure that more Northern parents will have access to spaces for their children to learn and grow.”
Government bodies across Canada are attempting to ease the burden of raising a child, especially for Millenial and Gen Z parents, who can experience unique financial hardships.