Manitoba daycare fees holding steady, despite memo outlining potential increases

Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister is promising to hold the line on daycare fees, despite an internal documentshowing the government considered otherwise.

The memo prepared for the Department of Families detailed possible increases tothe maximum fees that Manitoba charges to enrol youth in child care, and a possible decrease inthe number of children approved for subsidies.

Pallister said he wouldn't entertain the idea, when asked by NDPLeader Wab Kinewon Thursday if he would increase the cap this year.

"Not only can I guarantee that," he said during question period at the legislature, "but I can guarantee that Manitobans will pay a lower PST."

The document, dated Sept. 11, 2018, did not offer a recommendation, but provided the government with background on the issue. It is unclear what was being proposed since much of the report was redacted.

A fee hikeof any kind would face scrutiny, the report acknowledged.

"It is anticipated that an increase to parent fees will gain interest from parents and the media," said the document, which was obtained by the NDPthrough the Freedom of Information Act.

Fees among lowest in Canada

The memo states that child-care fees in Manitoba are among the lowest in Canada, with parents paying on average $30 for infants and $20.78 for preschoolersin licensed facilities every day. Thefees have been frozen since 2013.

Kinewsaid the reportdemonstratesthe government wasn't thinking about the best interest of families.

"That'sthe thing that we can actually take to the bank this government was considering raising daycare fees for parents."

A provincial spokesperson said the government was simply evaluating the way it funds the daycare system.

"We may contemplate adjustments to maintain a practical and sustainable balance between the affordability of child care for families and revenues for child care facilities," the prepared statement said.

"Weremain committed to working constructively and co-operatively with stakeholders and support facilities so they can continue to offer licensed early learning and child care services."