$10aDay advocates pleased to see child care a priority again for BC NDP

VANCOUVER, B.C. — October 17, 2026 — The Coalition of Child Care Advocates of BC is pleased to hear David Eby and the BC NDP move from a general affordability commitment on child care - to specific deliverables that will continue progress towards the universal child care system started by Premier Horgan.

“Today’s announcement includes specifics we’ve been calling for,” said Sharon Gregson, spokesperson for the Coalition – “low capped fees for families, an expansion of new spaces, and a fair wage grid for early childhood educators.”

Affordability is the #1 issue for British Columbians – this is a meaningful investment that will make life more affordable for families with young children. Even matching Ontario’s $22/day fee cap will be a big improvement in BC where families are now paying up to $100/day.

“Ontario has been able to cap all their child care fees at $22/day, Alberta has set their fees at $15/day across their province – and BC families need that same affordability,” said Gregson.

Child care is economic infrastructure, with the federal government’s support, BC can deliver for families, educators and the economy.

Delivering on these promises will mean that BC can join the 9 other provinces/territories that have set affordable fees and the 7 that have implemented a wage grid for educators.

So far, only the NDP and the Green Party have made universal child care commitments necessary to grow and sustain BC’s child care system. To date the Conservative’s position on child care remains vague, no capped fees, no wage grid for educators, and it appears a lack of understanding that child care is already provided by independent for-profit and non-profit operators.

The Coalition of Child Care Advocates will ensure that whoever forms government after the October 24^th election is held accountable to deliver a universal child care system where children have quality care, families have the access they need, fees are capped, and educators have a fair wage grid.