While Cochrane was not among the centres included in the pilot project to provide $25-a-day child care, Banff-Cochrane MLA Cam Westhead said there may be the opportunity to participate in the future.

Last week, the Alberta Government announced the first 22 pilot Early Learning and Child Care Centres across the province to receive funding in order to provide $25-a-day child care. The pilot program aims to provide quality child care space at an affordable cost while taking into consideration the diverse needs of children and the parents need for flexible hours.

While he's not aware of any applications made locally, Westhead did support one from Banff that was successful in receiving funding.

The government will be monitoring the centres approved for the pilot to measure its success and to make sure the province is getting value for the dollars invested, says Westhead.

“As the program evolves we're going to monitor it carefully and make sure that this is the best way we can invest in our children's future,” says Westhead, “and if it's working successfully and as our finances permit then we're going to consider expanding this in the future.”

Westhead believes $25-a-day child care fills a badly-needed void for families who can't otherwise afford child care.

“One of the frequent things I hear from young families especially is the affordability of child care. Sometimes a family has to make a choice between one of the parents going back to work or staying at home because child care is so expensive,” he says.

Westhead said he would be happy to chat with anyone who wants more information on the program.

“It's certainly something I'm interested in and I know that it's a priority for the people of Cochrane, too.”