Calgary Parents Anxious as Childcare Future Hinges on New Alberta-Federal Deal
Childcare Costs Spark Community Concern
Calgary parents are growing increasingly anxious about the future of childcare affordability, with community discussions highlighting fears of significant fee increases. Despite current flat fees of $326.25 per month for full-time licensed care—a reduction that has saved families an estimated $13,700 annually per child—unverified claims of fees soaring to over $1400 monthly are circulating, prompting frustration over a perceived lack of transparency from providers.
Alberta Seeks New Terms by 2026
The current Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement, signed in November 2021, remains in effect until March 31, 2026. However, unlike 11 other provinces, Alberta and Saskatchewan did not sign an extension. Education and Childcare Minister Demetrios Nicolaides is actively negotiating a new deal, citing the existing framework as "underfunded" and "unfair." Alberta proposes an income-tested system, greater provincial flexibility, and equitable access to funding for both non-profit and for-profit providers. Negotiations continue ahead of the 2026 deadline, shaping the future of childcare costs in the province.
