National leadership from Canada’s largest union were in Regina today to demand that Scott Moe and the provincial government join the 11 other provinces and territories who have already signed an extension to the federal childcare funding agreement.

“Saskatchewan is leaving $1.6 billion on the table by not signing the extension agreement,” said Mark Hancock, president of CUPE National. “To Premier Moe I say that on behalf of CUPE’s 30,000 members in Saskatchewan, including hundreds of child care workers and early educators in this great province, I’m asking you to get back to the table with the feds and hammer out a deal that guarantees that $10-a-day child care is protected in Saskatchewan.”

Candace Rennick, national secretary treasurer of CUPE National, also called on Premier Moe to sign the deal.

“Families are saving up to $6,900 per child every year compared to the cost of child care before the $10-a-day plan. This is a great program that helps workers, parents, kids and our economy. It’s win-win-win. Saskatchewan needs to stay on this winning team,” said Rennick.

Kent Peterson, president of CUPE Saskatchewan, added “leaders of every other province and territory have secured the future of $10-a-day child care for their residents, because they know families, providers, and workers need that sense of security. What about Scott Moe’s leadership? It sure doesn’t sound like leadership that respects or understands the value of child care and how it supports child development, women’s participation in the workforce, and the growth of our economy.”

CUPE was also joined by Sue Delanoy, the chapter chair of Child Care Now Saskatchewan.

“Scott Moe said the province is only just starting to negotiate this renewal. This just sounds like a delay tactic,” said Delanoy. “Because of the looming federal election, as far as I’m concerned, if he doesn’t get this signed by Friday Moe is making it clear that the success of this program isn’t a priority.”

Given the timing of a potential federal election looming, CUPE is calling for Scott Moe to sign the extension agreement by March 14, 2024.

CUPE represents 30,000 workers across Saskatchewan, including hundreds of childcare workers at 11 facilities across the province.

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