Today, the Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development, celebrated the expansion of Lil Snowflakes child care centre in Labrador West where he was joined by Miranda Barry, Administrator of Lil Snowflakes child care.
Lil Snowflakes child care centre recently added 55 new early learning and child care spaces, for a total of 86 spaces at the centre.
Further to the expansion of Lil Snowflakes, there are five early learning and child care projects in development in Labrador. These five projects will result in 68 new child care spaces, which will all operate at $10-a-day, helping to ensure that families in Labrador can access affordable child care. The projects are supported through the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement.
A complete list of the early learning and child care projects approved for development in Labrador 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 extend 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. Funding provided to all provinces and territories that have reached extension agreements will increase by 3 per cent every year, starting in fiscal year 2027-2028 and continuing through 2030-2031, and will ensure 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 for children 0 to 12, with the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador agreement supporting children 0 to 5.
No matter the child care option parents choose, the Canada Child Benefit provides direct, tax-free support, helping about 3.5 million families, including over 6 million children every year. The Canada Child Benefit can significantly reduce the burden of child care expenses for families receiving the benefit. In some cases, child care expenses have been reduced entirely thanks to federal, provincial, and territorial investments to reduce child care fees in the Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care system.
Quotes
“The child care initiatives underway and in development in Labrador reflect our government’s strong dedication to supporting families. Expanding access to child care spaces in all regions at $10-a-day child care means more than just affordability. It’s about giving children the opportunity to grow in nurturing, high-quality learning environments. This marks an exciting milestone for communities throughout the province.”
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 spaces will give parents more choices and help them save thousands of dollars on child care costs. We are working with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador to increase access to high-quality, affordable and inclusive child care that helps children reach their full potential.”
Honourable Anna Gainey
Secretary of State for Children and Youth
“Expanding the number of $10-a-day childcare spaces in Labrador will make affordable childcare accessible for more families. As Labradorians, we are known for our commitment to tight knit family bonds and nurturing future generations. By increasing the availability of high-quality early learning environments, our government is demonstrating that when we support and invest in our children, we are creating a stronger and more resilient future for the people of Labrador.”
Honourable Lisa Dempster
Minister of Labrador Affairs
Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture
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Learn more
Provincial Government Provides Update on Child Care Space Creation for the Western Region
Provincial Government Provides Update on Child Care Space Creation for the Avalon Region
Provincial Government Provides Update on Child Care Space Creation for the Central Region
Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement
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BACKGROUNDER
Early Learning and Child Care Space Creation Projects Update – Labrador Region
Projects Approved for Development
| Project | Community | Region | Spaces | Timeline for Completion |
| Peacock Primary (Pre-kindergarten) | Happy Valley-Goose Bay | Labrador | 15 | To be determined |
| Labrador Straits Academy (Pre-kindergarten) | L’Anse au Loup | Labrador | 15 | |
| A.P. Low Primary (Pre-kindergarten) | Labrador City | Labrador | 20 | |
| Jens Haven Memorial (Pre-kindergarten) | Nain | Labrador | 12 | |
| Family Child Care* | Wabush | Labrador | 6 | |
| Total | 68** | |||
*Family child care projects are operated by private individuals in their family home. Due to privacy requirements, family child care operators can not be identified until they are licensed.
**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.