Province has no idea how many approved child care spaces are being used, confirms Auditor General
A recent report by Saskatchewan’s Auditor General reveals serious shortcomings in the province’s child care strategy. The report confirms what families and workers already know: Saskatchewan is falling behind on its commitments, and the current approach is not working.
“The government is inflating numbers while families are stuck in child care deserts,” said Kent Peterson, president of CUPE Saskatchewan. “The Auditor General’s report confirms the shocking reality that the Government of Saskatchewan doesn’t even track how many approved child care spaces are actually being used and has no clue if there are enough workers to staff them.”
CUPE Saskatchewan backs new bill to safeguard workers’ rights
CUPE Saskatchewan is supporting new legislation to protect workers’ rights and wages. If passed, Bill 611 would ensure the use of the notwithstanding clause would be automatically tested to determine whether the law violates charter rights.
The bill follows Alberta’s decision to invoke the clause to end a teachers’ strike and force 51,000 teachers back to work – an unprecedented move that overrode their right to negotiate a fair contract.
Melfort daycare workers reject employer offer after unanimous strike vote
CUPE 5080 members call for a fair deal.
CUPE 5080 members, including early childhood educators, childcare providers, and cooks at the Melfort Daycare Co-operative, have rejected the employer’s last offer following a unanimous strike vote earlier this fall.
National Child Care Day of Action: Saskatchewan’s fight continues
November 30 marked the National Child Care Day of Action, a day to celebrate progress and demand more for families and workers across Canada. Here in Saskatchewan, we’ve proven what collective advocacy can achieve.
After months of pressure from CUPE, child care workers, and community allies, the provincial government finally renewed the $10-a-day child care agreement. This wasn’t an act of goodwill – it was the result of relentless advocacy by workers and families who refused to accept delays.
Let’s be clear: signing the agreement is just the starting line.
Peterson: Pressure worked — now it’s time to deliver spaces
Statement from Kent Peterson, CUPE Saskatchewan President:
“After months of consistent pressure through worker-led advocacy, public pressure, and press engagement, CUPE – alongside community allies – pushed Scott Moe to finally do what should have been done long ago: renew the $10-a-day child care agreement. We made it clear that the delay was unacceptable, and the government had no choice but to act.
“This deal didn’t happen by accident. We fought hard to make sure the government signed on. Now, the real work begins.