Two governments put their political differences aside to bring child care spaces to London.
The Ontario Progressive Conservatives and federal Liberals sent cabinet ministers to London to announce more than 2,800 new spaces that will be open by 2026.
The $62.3-million announcement is part of the Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care system.
Ontario Education Minister Stephen Lecce and federal Minister of Families, Children and Social Development Jenna Sudds were both on hand for the announcement at La Pommeraie Child Care Centre in south London.
The governments claim the new spaces will save families $6,000 to $12,000 per child, per year.
"It is so essential to our missing of making sure we can create universal access to affordable care," said Lecce. "This is part of our solution. Collaborating with every level of government to reduce fees, increase access and and, frankly, help families raise their kids at this difficult time."
"I'm looking forward to working with [federal and municipal politicians] to getting this done on time and on budget," Lecce added.
Sudds, who took on this portfolio in July, praised the announcement as a win for parents.
"Since December, Ontario families have seen, on average, a 50% reduction in their child care fees," she said. "That is thousand of dollars that is going back into the pockets of parents across the province."
The announcement was London's share of the $10-billion child care deal that the provincial and federal governments announced in March of 2022.
"Access to high quality, affordable child care is increasing," said London West MP Arielle Kayabaga. "I want to thank the child care workers who show up each day to take care of our children."
The creation of the spaces was announced in December of 2022 - the announcement Thursday details exactly how many will be in London.
"It is a wonderful celebration of investments in the youngest members of our community," said London Mayor Josh Morgan. "This is an economic investment as much as it is an investment in families and youth in our community."
