A report released recently by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives gave Saskatchewan a failing grade in childcare. According to the report, Saskatchewan's more than 17,700 licensed childcare spaces are only enough for 18 percent of children under the age of five, but 70 percent of parents with children under five years old work for a living.

Georgia Siourounis is the executive director of the Saskatchewan Early Childhood Association (SECA), which is a non-profit organization that advocates for early childhood educators (ECEs), children, and families. She said there are several issues leading to the lack of childcare spaces.

"There is, of course, a need for spaces but when we look at increasing spaces throughout the province what we often miss is quality. So, quality, it's very hard to define what a quality childcare centre looks like however, it starts with the workforce. So, when it's really difficult to employ ECEs who have their certificate or diploma it directly affects quality," explained Siourounis.

She said certified early childhood educators in Saskatchewan are under-compensated, making it difficult to keep them employed. The report agrees, stating ECEs in Saskatchewan are amongst the lowest paid in the country, second only to Alberta.

Siourounis said the cost of licensed childcare is also an issue for many families.

"Subsidy, as we all know, is not beneficial for families within Saskatchewan. The threshold for full subsidy is $19,000 a year. So, a family can't even make $19,000 a year to qualify for full subsidy within Saskatchewan."

She said parents should do their research when choosing childcare options.