The Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development, today announced details of 15 early learning and child care projects in the western region. Minister Davis was joined by the Honourable Dr. Scott Reid, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation and MHA for St. George’s-Humber, and Terri Clancey, co-owner of Meadow View Childcare.

These 15 projects in the Western region represent 345 child care spaces which will all operate at $10-a-day, ensuring that families can access affordable child care.

The announcement was made at Meadow View Childcare, which will open its doors this fall. Once operational, Meadow View Childcare will offer 67 early learning and child care spaces at $10-a-day for families in the area.

A complete list of the early learning and child care projects close to completion and approved for development is available in the backgrounder below.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador continues its commitment to providing access to high-quality, affordable, and inclusive child care that meets the needs of families and service providers. The Provincial Government signed on to an extension of the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement and the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Early Learning and Child Care Agreement. The extended agreements will be in place until March 31, 2031, ensuring predictable and sustainable federal support for early learning and child care.

Currently, there are over 11,200 early learning and child care spaces operating at $10-a-day or less in the province.

No matter the child care option parents choose, the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) provides direct, tax-free support, helping about 3.5 million families, including over 6 million children every year. While families can use the benefit however they need, for many it significantly reduces the burden of child care expenses – in some cases, cutting them entirely thanks to federal, provincial, and territorial investments to reduce child care fees in the Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care system.

Quotes
“These new and upcoming child care projects in the Western region are a testament to our government’s commitment to supporting families. By expanding access to $10-a-day child care, we’re not only easing financial pressures but also helping children thrive in high-quality early learning environments. It’s an exciting step forward for communities throughout the region.”
Honourable Bernard Davis
Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development

“When we invest in children and families, we invest in the future of our country. These new 345 child care spaces throughout the Western region of Newfoundland and Labrador will give parents a choice and help them save thousands of dollars on child-care costs. We are working with the province of Newfoundland and Labrador to increase access to high-quality, affordable and inclusive child care, no matter where they live, while supporting children in reaching their full potential.”
Honourable Patty Hajdu
Federal Minister of Jobs and Families
Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario

“Canada’s new government is focused on bringing down costs for families with dental care, the Canada Child Benefit, School Food Program and $10 a day child care. Affordable child care has made a difference for thousands of families in Newfoundland and Labrador and through our ongoing partnership with the province, we are going to see that number grow in Western Newfoundland. This is a good news day, because when families are strong, Canada is strong.”
Honourable Joanne Thompson
Federal Minister of Fisheries
MP for St. John’s East

“Access to affordable, high-quality child care is essential for families in Pasadena and communities throughout the Western region. These new $10-a-day spaces will not only support parents in returning to work or pursuing education, but also ensure our children have the best possible start in life. This investment reflects our government’s commitment to building stronger, more inclusive communities.”
Honourable Dr. Scott Reid
Minister of Environment and Climate Change
Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation
MHA for St. George’s-Humber

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Learn more
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Provincial Government Provides Update on Child Care Space Creation for the Central Region

Early Learning Gateway

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BACKGROUNDER

Early Learning and Child Care Space Creation Projects Update – Western Region
Projects Approaching Completion

Project	Community	Spaces	Timeline for Completion
Copper Ridge Academy (Pre-Kindgergarten)	Baie Verte	17	1-3 months
Burgeo Academy (Pre-Kindergarten)	Burgeo	20	1-3 months
CPEF “Les p’tits cerfs-volants”	Cape St. George	10	1-3 months
Lourdes Elementary (Pre-Kindergarten)	Lourdes	20	1-3 months
CPEF “Les p’tits cerfs-volants”	Mainland	10	1-3 months
Meadow View Childcare	Pasadena	67	1-3 months
French Shore Academy (Pre-Kindergarten)	Port Saunders	20	1-3 months
Indian River Academy	Springdale	20	1-3 months
Total		184

Projects Approved for Development

Project	Community	Spaces	Timeline for Completion
Sacred Heart Elementary (Pre-Kindergarten)	Corner Brook	20	To be determined
Pasadena Elementary (Pre-Kindergarten)	Pasadena	15
Dorset Collegiate (Pre-Kindergarten)	Pilley’s Island	15
M’ikMaw Cultural Foundation	Stephenville	24
Bayview Academy (Pre-Kindergarten)	St. George’s	20
St. George’s Indian Band	St. George’s	35
Three Rivers Mi’Kmaq Band	Robinson’s	32
Total		161*

*Total number of spaces created upon project completion may differ.

Waitlist Registration
Parents and guardians registered for MyGovNL’s Early Learning Gateway will be notified of updated child care space availability. The Early Learning Gateway connects regulated child care service providers with parents and guardians who need child care through a digital waitlist.