CALGARY (Rajeev Sharma): For parents in Alberta, securing affordable childcare is becoming increasingly difficult, as rising costs and a growing population put unprecedented pressure on the system.
For Calgary mother Rachel Kert, the struggle is a daily reality. A full-time substitute teacher and single parent of three, Kert juggles work schedules and childcare needs, constantly adjusting her hours to align with her children’s daycare availability.
“It’s tough, really tough. As a single mom, it keeps getting more difficult to maintain a stress-free life,” Kert said. “I have to keep asking my managers for different schedules almost every week because of the times my kids leave daycare.”
In January, the provincial government capped daycare fees at $326.25 per month for children up to kindergarten age. Meanwhile, the federal government recently imposed limits on the number of subsidized spots available to for-profit childcare providers in Alberta. While these measures aim to make childcare more affordable, operators say the funding may not meet the growing demand.
Calgary’s population reached 1.6 million in 2024, marking a 6.14 per cent increase in a single year and an 18 per cent rise over the past five years. Alberta also has the highest fertility rate in the country, creating a surge in demand for daycare spaces.
Nav Kamal, representing Heartland Agency — a non-profit that provides early learning and special education services — says the current provincial support falls short. “It does not cover all the costs for some of the other daycares around the city. But as an agency, we have been really mindful of keeping our nutrition program running along, so we are supporting the families,” Kamal explained.
Kamal added that non-profit organizations may need to be prioritized to ensure quality care. “The staff here would provide the same level of care regardless of funding, but knowing the programs are fully supported makes a difference for families and children,” they said.
Since the announcement of the fee cap, daycare providers have sought clarity from both provincial and federal authorities about future funding, citing slow and inconsistent communication. The Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement is not yet extended beyond next year, adding uncertainty for operators.
For parents like Kert, the solution lies in greater government action. “I think it is time the government looks at the cost of childcare and funds the childcare tax adequately and considers using public education funding towards publicly funded childcare centres,” she said.
As Alberta’s population continues to grow, balancing affordability, accessibility, and quality in childcare remains a pressing challenge for both families and providers.
