A new advocacy group is forming to demand Ontario get childcare down to $10 a day sooner rather than later.

Parents for Childcare is expressing concern with the slow rollout of the federal program.

Childcare providers in some communities have also decided to opt out.

Spokesperson Brynne Sinclair-Waters says years of underfunding and low wages for workers jeopardize access.

“The new funding formula announced in August will deliver some stability for existing childcare programs, but the lack of commitment to fair wages for childcare workers will undermine the quality of care and the expansion of new spaces,” says Sinclair-Waters

Ontario signed a six-year, $13 billion deal in 2022 with the federal government but continues to argue more money is needed.

The province announced that under a new funding formula for childcare providers, fees could be no higher than $22 a day.

Its commitment toward early years and childcare is an estimated $11.8 billion.

Sinclair-Water notes that the provincial funding has decreased since 2018.

She feels the province is in a position to deal with the other issues impacting the delivery of childcare.

“I think as parents, we want to see the provincial government focused on that and getting down to business and not playing politics with the federal government around whose responsibility this is and making sure that they work together to fully fund this program going forward,” says Sinclair-Waters.

The group also encourages the Ford government to make it easier for municipalities to expand childcare services.