21 January 2022
Hon. Dominic Cardy, Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development
Departmental Building, West Block
P. O. Box 6000
Fredericton, NB E3B 5H1
Via email: dominic.cardy@gnb.ca
Re: Private Daycare Operators / Federal-Provincial Child Care Agreements
Dear Minister Cardy:
I am writing on behalf of private daycare operators in New Brunswick to express concern about the implementation of the federal-provincial childcare agreement in Nova Scotia.
It is our understanding from media reports and through consultations with stakeholders in Nova Scotia that in that province for-profit daycares have three options:
- Sign over the daycare license to the provincial government in exchange for a one-time payment and essentially become an employee;
- Become a not-for-profit organization; or
- Continue to operate privately. This would seem to be a non-option given the competition from childcare providers within the $10-per-day system. These private operators would not only fail to gain access to the $10-per-day plan but also lose the current parent subsidy. They would also lose educational support funding for special aides and the operator will not receive salary top ups that is otherwise provided for staff with advanced qualifications.
It also appears that the Nova Scotia government has not provided adequate information to private daycare operators, nor enough time to get answers.
In our opinion, this approach by our neighbours in Nova Scotia will in effect disenfranchise private business owners – regardless of which option they choose and is an unnecessary overreach by their government on private business. Remaining a true private business under this model is not a realistic option given competitors will be subsidized by the government and ultimately provide daycare services for $10 per day. We hope that the Government of New Brunswick is not planning a similar model in our province and are encouraged by your comments as quoted in this CTV News article, recognizing the importance of our private operators and ensuring the continuity of their businesses:
“We took time to closely examine this agreement because we wanted to ensure our existing daycare centres — which are often small with private owners — will be able to have their place within this agreement,” Cardy said during the news conference.
We take this quote to mean that current private operators will be able to benefit from the program while maintaining present autonomy. Our organization is supportive of expanding childcare access in New Brunswick and we were pleased to see New Brunswick sign an agreement with the federal government – this is certainly an issue that must be addressed. However, we are very concerned with the draconian implementation of the agreement in Nova Scotia and implore your government not to follow suit.
Private operators in New Brunswick need assurances from the government through a formal statement / commitment to reassure the operators (providers of more than 11000 spaces that are currently in the province), that a similar system will not be implemented here. We also note that “grandfathering in” current private operations into a Nova Scotia-style system is not an attractive option as it would make their businesses very difficult to sell or grow if future spaces were all under a new style program. As you know, succession planning is already a key issue in the province’s economic development circles.
We have taken the liberty of copying this letter to Kara Angus, founder and CEO of the Go-Go Group Inc., as she is one of the largest private early learning centre operators in the province and a proud member of the Fredericton Chamber of Commerce. Kara and others in their industry have been working together to ensure all are informed of any available details and understand the ramifications of this new plan. Please reach out to me at any time should you have any questions or require further clarification.
Sincerely,
Krista Ross, CEO, Fredericton Chamber of Commerce
cc: Hon. Blaine Higgs, Premier, Province of New Brunswick
cc: George Daley, Deputy Minister, Department of Education and Early Childhood Development
cc: Nicole Gervais, Executive Director, Early Childhood Development
cc: Sheri Somerville, CEO, Atlantic Chamber of Commerce
cc: Kara Angus, Owner, Go-Go Group Inc