BC child-care costs soar as province falls behind $10-a-day benchmark
A new Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives report finds British Columbia’s daycare fees now exceed those in provinces with $10-a-day caps, leaving families to grapple with prices ranging from $200 to $2,000 a month.
Research released by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives reveals that British Columbia has slipped from its former role as a leader in affordable child care to becoming the most expensive province among those studied. Daily infant fees in BC cities vary widely, with median prices of $28 in Kelowna and $52 in Richmond, while monthly charges can swing between $200 and $2,000. Parents such as Ella Dalling, whose nine-month-old daughter Murph remains on dozens of waitlists, describe a market where securing a spot outweighs cost concerns.
The report notes that a 2021 funding agreement with Ottawa reduces family expenses by $300-$500 per month, yet families in provinces with $10-a-day caps enjoy far greater savings. Six provinces and territories have instituted such caps, and Alberta and Ontario set maximums of $15 and $22 per day respectively. A spokesperson for the $10-a-day Child Care Campaign, Sharon Gregson, criticized the BC NDP government for stalling progress, while Education and Child Care Minister Lisa Beare said the province is pausing the program to develop a more inclusive and sustainable model.
Why it matters
BC families face rising daycare costs and limited availability, affecting child-rearing decisions and workforce participation.
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