Child care providers in Saskatchewan are expressing frustration and disappointment after the provincial government denied their applications for operating licences, a decision that comes at a time when many families across the province are already struggling to find available daycare spaces close to their homes.
The situation has sparked concern among both aspiring child care operators and opposition politicians, who argue that turning away willing providers only exacerbates the existing shortage of quality child care options for working families throughout Saskatchewan.
Experienced Providers Turned Away Despite Proven Track Record
Kinza Nissar, a child care operating applicant, shared her experience with the application process that ended in denial. Her family had successfully operated a licensed daycare for over a year before temporarily closing when her sister decided to pursue further education. After a six-month hiatus, Nissar and her mother submitted an application in January 2026 to reopen their child care service.
“I was very mad and a little sad because we have been running a licensed daycare for like a year and we had invested a lot of money and time and effort into it, and like the 10 people who were already enlisted into a daycare, we had to tell them that, ‘Oh I’m sorry we have to like close it.'”
Nissar emphasized the clear demand for child care services in her area, noting that approximately 15 families in her neighborhood lack access to licensed daycares nearby and must travel considerable distances to find suitable care for their children.
Provincial Government Explains Policy Shift
According to correspondence sent to applicants, the Saskatchewan government has implemented a new approach to child care licensing. The province stated that new licences are not being approved in certain areas as officials shift their focus from rapid expansion to system stabilization.
The Ministry of Education provided additional context in a statement, revealing the following key points:
- As of May 31, the province is approaching its target of 28,000 child care spaces
- Applications have not been outright rejected but are being held for assessment
- Officials are evaluating the specific needs of individual communities
- There is a renewed emphasis on providing child care opportunities in rural communities
The government’s position suggests a more measured approach to expanding the child care system, with authorities seeking to ensure that new licences are granted in areas where demand is highest and services are most needed.
Opposition Criticizes Government Approach
The provincial opposition has been vocal in its criticism of the government’s decision to hold back licence approvals. Matt Love, the Opposition education critic, argued that the province cannot afford to turn away individuals who are willing to contribute to the child care sector.
Love highlighted the dedication required to work in child care, emphasizing that providers are not motivated by financial gain but rather by a genuine desire to support families in their communities. He noted that frustrations about the licensing situation have been heard from residents across Saskatchewan.
The critic’s comments underscore a broader concern that bureaucratic decisions made at the provincial level may not adequately reflect the on-the-ground realities faced by families searching for reliable and accessible child care options.
Impact on Families and Communities
The denial of child care licences has significant implications for families throughout Saskatchewan. Parents who rely on daycare services to maintain their employment face particular challenges when forced to travel long distances or join lengthy waiting lists at existing facilities.
For communities already underserved by licensed child care providers, the government’s decision to pause new approvals means that relief may not come any time soon. This is especially concerning for working parents who must balance their professional responsibilities with the need to ensure their children receive quality care in safe environments.
The situation also raises questions about the economic impact on aspiring child care operators who have invested time, money, and energy into preparing their applications and facilities, only to be told that their services are not currently needed in their areas.
Looking Ahead: What Comes Next for Saskatchewan Child Care
As the province continues to assess its child care infrastructure and evaluate applications on a community-by-community basis, affected families and providers will be watching closely for any changes in policy or approach.
The government’s commitment to reaching 28,000 child care spaces suggests that some expansion will continue, but the pace and distribution of new licences remain uncertain. For applicants like Nissar, the wait continues as they hope for an opportunity to serve their communities once again.
The ongoing debate highlights the complex balance between measured growth and meeting immediate community needs, a challenge that provinces across Canada continue to navigate as demand for quality, affordable child care remains high.
