Last week, MCCA’s President, Cathy Gardiner, Executive Director, Jodie Kehl, were invited to Budget 2025 Lock Up. This is a chance for stakeholders, to preview the provincial government’s budget for the upcoming fiscal year prior to its public announcement.
Here are some key takeaways that were shared with media –
- We recognize this government has unique priorities to balance – economy, pending threat of tariffs, health care
- There was a noticeable lack of details on early learning and child care in the budget speech (this observation was shared by other stakeholders of their sector as well)
- $10/day will be extended to include all non-school days
- There are grant assistance increases in Budget 2025 (approximately 12.5%)
- MCCA anticipates increased operating grants and start up grants (new facilities)
- Awaiting updates on wage grid increases & workforce supports
- The Province is committing to building 4600 child care spaces over the next 2 years
- Budget 2025 has prioritized job creation of nearly 18,000 in Manitoba – many of these individuals will require access to high quality child care
- Early data from Probe survey (sneak peek) – 20% of directors in the current system say they have they can’t open/closed due to staff shortages
- #1 priority must be the anticipated workforce strategy – wholistic in its approach to address the pressing concerns around retention, recruitment and recognition of ECEs
MCCA met with Deputy Minister O’Leary and Assistant Deputy Minister Whiteford days after the budget reveal. Minister Schmidt (Education and Early Childhood Learning Minister) has publicly said “more good news to come”. We’re ready for it!