Publisher's Note

Publisher’s Note
Dear readers, The summer is going fast as everyone is having fun especially that we just wrapped up the festivities of the 10 days Calgary Stampede. The weather cooperated in a way where it showered during the parade but it all went well. I’m sure that the organizers of Calgary Stampede were all happy with an [...]
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Page added on March 27, 2012

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More Alberta families to benefit from child care subsidies

Approximately 9,000 families will receive new or increased funding to help offset the cost of accessing quality child care, thanks to changes to the provincial child care subsidy program.

Effective April 1, the household income that qualifies families to receive maximum subsidy will increase from $35,100 to $50,000—a 42 per cent increase. With these changes, it is expected that 26,000 subsidies will be provided to eligible low- and middle-income families in the 2012-13 fiscal year.

With these changes, more than 4,000 families that are currently receiving child care subsidy will see an increase to their partial subsidy rate; with 3,200 of these families going to maximum subsidy. As well, it is expected upwards of 5,000 new families will apply and be approved for subsidy in 2012-13. Currently, a one-parent family with a household income of $50,000 and a three-year-old in day care qualifies for a $132 per month subsidy to help with the cost of child care. Effective April 1, this same family will qualify for $546 a month, an increase of $414 monthly.

Overall, the budget for child care will increase to $264 million in 2012-13, which is a $20.6 million, or 8.4 per cent increase over last fiscal year. Funding for child care subsidies and supports will increase to $173 million, which is a $17 million increase.

In addition to the increased support for child care, Alberta families pay less overall tax than families anywhere else in Canada. Together, this further supports the ability of lower-income Albertans to care for their families and contribute to the community.

For more information about the child care subsidy program, visit the Human Services website.