Released on May 7, 1998
Social Services Minister Lorne Calvert today designated May 10 - 17 asChild Care Week in Saskatchewan. This week recognizes the importance
of quality child care and the work of those who provide care for
children in homes, day care centres, schools and other settings across
the province.
"Our children are our future," Calvert said. "We need to ensure that
all children in Saskatchewan receive the best possible care so that
all can develop into confident, healthy adults and caring, productive
members of our communities."
As part of the government's commitment to children and youth, nearly
$35 million was dedicated this year to new programs and services for
children, youth and families under Saskatchewan's Action Plan for
Children.
"Saskatchewan people have worked hard to develop and enhance services
for children and youth," Calvert said. "I am proud of their successes
and commitment."
The 1997-98 provincial budget included $1 million in child care
grants to further enhance early childhood programming and child
day care services and $500,000 in wage enhancements for child
care workers. These two investments bring the total funding for
child care initiatives over the past six budget years to over
$4.2 million.
The government and its community/agency partners initiated the
Action Plan in 1993 with a government funding commitment of
$4 million. Funding, programs and services under the Action Plan
have increased each year since its inception.
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For more information, contact:
Virginia Wilkinson
Social Services
Regina
Phone: (306)787-0916