Community Services Minister Denise Peterson-Rafuse announced more than $6 million in funding for 12 childcare centres in Nova Scotia yesterday.
The minister made the announcement at Spryfield’s Edward Jost Children’s Centre, which will receive roughly $1.5 million from the province for a second building, doubling the centre’s capacity.
“This is actually my first announcement as Minister of Community Services,” Peterson-Rafuse said to a group of well-behaved toddlers, staff, and collected media. “I can’t think of a better thing to do today, because we are investing in childcare and the benefits for childcare providers, parents and the children of our province.”
The funding will benefit 11 other centres across the province. According to the Department of Community Services, the money will create an additional 300 childcare spaces in Nova Scotia.
“Investing early and wisely in our children will make life better for families and create a province full of opportunities,” Peterson-Rafuse said. “Successful children build a successful province.”
Kathleen Couture, director of the Edward Jost Children’s Centre, said the centre was very excited to work with the department.
“Another 54 families are going to be able to benefit from high-quality childcare in the Spryfield area,” Couture said. “And also, we’re hoping that our new centre is going to be inclusive, so it’s going to be a wonderful centre — it is a great chance and a great opportunity.”
