University of Saskatchewan begins construction of new child care centre

On a week when CBC is highlighting the challenge that parents face in trying to find licensed child care, the University of Saskatchewan is getting ready to expand the childcare centre on campus.

The new expansion will have room for 90 children, bringing the number of licensed child care spaces at the U of S to 200.

The province is investing $1.3 million dollars in the $4.6 million dollar expansion.

"I've heard countless stories from parents who found it increasingly difficult to find child care that was accessible and affordable," saidoutgoing Students' Union President Max Fine Day."This new child care centre is going to go a long way towards reducing some of the stress and a lot of the barriers that students currently face."

StudentTanya Napper'stwo children both attended the centre. She calledita life saver.

"I wouldn't have pursued my studies if I hadn't had a secure space like this," she said. "It's safe, secure and both of my kids were so prepared for school when they started."

University Interim President Gordon Barnhart hopes the new centre will attract more indigenous students.

"35 per cent of the students needing child care are aboriginal," he said. "So that will, for sure, reduce an obstacle for them."

While the government is today highlighting its record in bringing more childcare spaces to Saskatchewan, there was no new money for licensed child care in this years budget. The Saskatchewan Party has allocated funding for 4,935 new licensed child care spaces since November 2007.