Atira Women's Resource Society announced it is shuttering three British Columbia daycares, citing a wage dispute and criticizing the provincial funding model as unsustainable. The closures affect facilities in Richmond and other locations, leaving families scrambling for alternatives.
Funding Model Under Fire
Atira officials stated that the current provincial funding structure fails to cover operational costs, including fair wages for early childhood educators. The society has long advocated for increased government support to stabilize the sector. In a statement, Atira said, 'We cannot continue to operate under a model that undervalues the critical work of our educators and jeopardizes the quality of care children receive.'
Impact on Families and Staff
The decision will displace dozens of children and lead to layoffs for staff members. Parents expressed frustration and concern, with many unsure how they will find alternative care. One parent said, 'This is devastating. We trusted Atira, and now we have to start from scratch.' The closures come as B.C. grapples with a broader childcare crisis, including long waitlists and high costs.
Atira's move highlights ongoing tensions between childcare providers and the provincial government over funding adequacy. The society called for an urgent review of the funding formula to ensure sustainability and fair compensation for educators.
