The Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) government has yet to fulfill its promise of creating 37,000 new daycare spots, despite making the commitment over two years ago.
According to a report by the Fédération des commissions scolaires du Québec (FCSQ), only 8,000 new spots have been created since the CAQ took office in 2018. This falls far short of the government’s initial pledge to create 37,000 new spots by 2023.
The FCSQ report also revealed that the majority of the new spots were created in private daycare centers, rather than in the publicly funded network. This has raised concerns about accessibility and affordability for families, as private daycare centers often have higher fees.
The CAQ government has defended its progress, stating that the COVID-19 pandemic has caused delays in the creation of new spots. However, opposition parties and childcare advocates argue that the government has not done enough to prioritize this issue.
In response to the report, the opposition party Québec Solidaire called on the government to increase funding for the publicly funded daycare network and to prioritize the creation of new spots in underprivileged areas.
Meanwhile, the FCSQ has urged the government to take immediate action to address the shortage of daycare spots, as well as the high fees and long waitlists that many families are facing.
This issue is not new, as Quebec has long struggled with a shortage of affordable daycare options. The CAQ government’s promise to create 37,000 new spots was seen as a step in the right direction, but the slow progress has left many families disappointed and frustrated.
As the government continues to navigate the challenges of the pandemic, it is crucial that they prioritize fulfilling their commitment to creating new daycare spots. Families across Quebec are counting on them to follow through on their promise and provide accessible and affordable childcare options for all.
