St. John’s, NL (May 26, 2025) – Tony Wakeham, Leader of the Progressive Conservative Party and MHA for Stephenville – Port au Port, is calling out the Liberal government for repeated delays that are preventing progress on two proposed childcare projects in the Bay St. George region of Western Newfoundland.

“The Liberals were quick to stand at a podium and announce $10-a-day childcare—a commitment we support and will uphold,” said Wakeham. “But the way this program is being rolled out, especially the lack of available childcare spaces, is deeply concerning. In the Bay St. George region, two ready and willing proponents are stuck in limbo because of government red tape.”

One of those proponents, the Mi’kmaw Cultural Foundation, submitted an application through the Childcare Capacity Initiative in January to establish new childcare spaces in Stephenville, followed by their initial payment in March. Shortly afterward, they were informed that no further applications would be accepted until the end of April. Despite repeated letters and calls to the Minister’s office requesting a meeting, they have received no response.

Another local proponent, Rhonda Sheppard of St. George’s, has the building, staff, and even a waitlist in place, but has been waiting months for approval from the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development. Her application continues to sit on a desk with no sign of movement.

“The Liberal government is clinging to a one-size-fits-all model in childcare that clearly isn’t working,” added Wakeham. “These delays aren’t just bureaucratic red tape; they’re real roadblocks that are stopping families from accessing the care they urgently need. We’ve seen it before—big promises with no plan to back them up. Whether it’s housing, healthcare, or childcare, the Liberals make the announcement and leave communities and organizations to deal with the fallout. The government must act now and give this issue the timely attention it deserves.”

A Wakeham Progressive Conservative government would not only maintain the $10-a-day childcare commitment, but also implement a more flexible and responsive system—one that removes red tape, truly works for families, and meets the needs of local communities.

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