Following a year of provincial childcare cuts, it’s been awhile since advocates have had anything to celebrate.

That changed Monday, when the province announced increases to out-of-school child care subsidies for youngsters aged six to 12.

“That’s the best news ever,” said Wanda Wiersma, of Wanda’s Kids and Care. “Wow. That’s incredible.”

Wiersma, who cares for about 20 children at her Lake Cowichan business, said it was about time the provincial government delivered some good news.

Local childcare advocates have stated millions of dollars have been cut from parent care subsidies, benefits and wages since the B.C. Liberals came into power in 2002.

Last year, the federal Conservatives cut the National Children Agreement and replaced it with a $100-per-month subsidy for parents for every child younger than six.

Childcare supporters have argued these moves have pushed the B.C. daycare system into a state of crisis.

On Monday, Minister of State for Child Care Linda Reid announced some families will begin receiving more subsidy money beginning Sept. 1.

The maximum subsidy for out-of-school childcare will increase about $22 per month per child.

For parents struggling financially, Wiersma said this announcement is a big deal.

“The government doesn’t pay very much for these kids,” she said. “Daycare is still a lot of money. This will definitely help them.”

Cindy Lise, of Success by Six, was elated to hear the news.

As an advocate for registered and licensed day care centres, Lise said it is important for children to be well supervised while they’re away from their parents.

“It’s important to me that all children are cared for in our community,” she said. “It’s very stressful when your children are not in the best environment.”

In a press release, the minister explained why she felt it was important to increase the subsidies.

“By increasing the maximum monthly child care subsidy rate, we can directly support parents with the cost of child care,” Reid said.

“This increase will have a positive impact on low and middle income families from across the province as we start the new school year.