The Alberta government’s move to add $242 million to daycare spending on wages for workers and subsidies to parents was welcomed at Jasper’s only daycare centre. 

“It’s really exciting to be able to pay staff accordingly,” said Cristin Murphy, manager of the Jasper Centre for Early Childhood Learning and Care.

“It feels like they’re realizing the importance, that’s a real positive for us.”

The new money won’t create any additional daycare spaces in Jasper, but Murphy said space-creation isn’t the centre’s greatest issue.

“We’re a bit top-heavy, but because of the nature of Jasper people don’t stay forever,” she said. “It tends to ebb and flow.”

Kathleen Waxer, director of Family and Community Services, said some sections of the daycare are full and others are near capacity; there is no cause for alarm.

“For a number of years we had tonnes of vacancies so it’s prudent to observe a number of years staying at capacity,” she said.

Waxer said it’s crucial to look at long-term trends before considering an expansion because the municipality’s development limitations mean Jasper may not be able to take advantage of government grants to increase spaces.

“The reality here is that when you become close to capacity and there’s only one licensed option, it means it’s very difficult for people,” she said. “If there’s no space, there’s literally no space, you can’t put your name on another list.”

The $242 million is intended to recruit and keep childcare staff, increase service and assist parents financially.

It will raise subsidies for parents of preschool-aged children by 3.5 per cent and create new subsidies for parents of children in Grade 1 and up.

To attract workers, the province will provide $2,500 after one year of employment to childcare workers who are new to the profession, and $5,000 after two years to workers with six months experience who have left and return to the industry.

Also, the certification course is now available for free online and the government will provide $2,500 scholarships to students who enroll in post-secondary child care programs.

Waxer is also glad to see childcare staff starting to receive reasonable rates of pay.

“In the past people would work towards getting a two-year diploma or three- or four-year degree and come out and make minimum wage,” she said. “There’s no great enticement, no matter how much you like children.”

Funding and initiatives like this are a step in the right direction, said Waxer. 

“I applaud the government for doing this, I think it’s absolutely essential,” she said. “In the changing demographic and with the changing societal expectations, high quality childcare spaces are really critical,” she said.