The Government of Saskatchewan and the federal government announced Monday morning that the province would achieve $10 a day childcare by April 1.

Unlike the announcement made in Manitoba on Friday when the Prime Minister paid a visit to our neighbouring province, this new development was passed along in a written news release with no formal news conference.

But like Manitoba, the $10 a day childcare as of the beginning of next month is three years ahead of schedule for the federal Liberal government’s national plan.

Education Minister Dustin Duncan says, “The Government of Saskatchewan is committed to investing in affordable, inclusive and high-quality childcare that provides children with a positive start in life while also giving parents the flexibility and choice to build both a family and career.”

Parents whose children are under the age of six and attend regulated childcare on a full-time basis can expect to pay $217.50 per month. The government says the fee reductions will result in families saving an average of $395 to $573 per month for each child under six from the average comparable fees as of March 31, 2021.

Saskatchewan signed onto the Liberal government’s national child-care plan in 2021, which saw Ottawa commit $1.1 billion to the province over five years.