Urgent News: Funding Cut Without Warning for New For-Profit Childcare Centres in Alberta
As of May 15, 2025, Alberta reached the federally mandated cap of 26,200 subsidized for-profit spaces under the CWELCC agreement. Without any warning or public update, new for-profit centres are now ineligible for the Affordability Grant — leaving families and operators blindsided.
Many of these centres had already signed leases, hired staff, and registered children — only to find out, at the final stage of licensing, that funding would not be available. Families who expected to pay the advertised $325/month will now face fees of $1,000/month or more.
This Is Not Fair
Both for-profit and not-for-profit providers are required to follow the same provincial licensing rules, educator ratios, safety standards, and fee caps. Yet only one sector is being shut out of future funding — without warning and without justification.
what's at risk
- Reduced access: Fewer centres mean longer waitlists and fewer options for families
- Greater inequality: Only families who can afford full fees will access new spaces
- Loss of jobs and small businesses: Many are women-led and community-based
- Stalled progress toward universal, affordable child care
what needs to change
- Urge the federal government to lift the cap on for-profit spaces
- Demand the Alberta government publish real-time updates on remaining space allocations — for both sectors — to ensure transparency and fair access to funding
Download this letter
Live in Alberta?
Download this letter to contact your MLA, MP, and Ministers. Demand fair funding for all licensed providers — and a childcare system that works for families, educators, and communities alike.
