BC Premier David Eby defends family’s use of $10-a-day childcare slot

On the campaign trail, BC premier David Eby disclosed that his family benefits from the province’s $10-a-day childcare program, a policy launched under his predecessor John Horgan in partnership with the federal government. Eby said his child was already enrolled before the program’s pricing was set and that his family voluntarily paid the difference to keep the slot open for other families. He reiterated his commitment to expanding affordable child care and warned that the BC Conservatives have proposed cuts to the initiative.

The Conservatives responded with a statement labeling Eby’s admission as “shocking” and arguing that a premier who promised universal low-cost care should not occupy one of the limited spots, especially while a single mother waits on a waitlist. Margareta Dovgal, the Conservative candidate for Vancouver-Yaletown, emphasized the need for broader access to the program. The controversy highlights ongoing tensions over child-care affordability in British Columbia, where only a small fraction of spaces are priced at $10 per day.