Call to Action: Recommit to $10-a-day Childcare in Vancouver

This program must continue to expand.

Sent on February 23, 2026 by Sacia Burton and Chantelle Spicer, BC Poverty Reduction Coalition
RE: Support for Councillor Orr’s motion “Recommitting to $10-a-day Childcare” for Council’s consideration on February 25, 2026.

 We commend the work that has been done to secure more than 15,300 childcare spaces in Vancouver as part of the $10-a-day program. This progress has improved thousands of families’ access to reliable, affordable childcare. However, we stand with families on waitlists making tough choices between childcare or returning to work. This program must continue to expand. More needs to be done to grow this vital part of family, economic, and workforce infrastructure. 

This is a pivotal time for the City of Vancouver to recommit to this legacy investment and policy. We are heartened to see many data-gathering and advocacy initiatives listed in this motion to strengthen the evidence-driven response to childcare needs in the city. Though the 2026 BC Budget offers the first substantial investment in $10-a-day childcare in years, this funding is largely allocated to maintaining current programs. It is time for the City of Vancouver to heed families’ call and step up as champions of the $10-a-day program. 

Continued and increased investment in the $10-a-day childcare system is an equity issue. Without access to affordable, quality childcare, many parents – particularly women and lone parent households – have no option but to leave the workforce or use unregulated care. With greater access to affordable, high-quality childcare, women in Vancouver will be better able to support their families, put their skills and talents to work and fully participate in their local communities and economies. 

We urge you to support today’s motion and prioritize equity.