New Brunswick daycare operators gathered alongside concerned parents this weekend to discuss cuts to government subsidies.

The cuts will affect subsidies that boost the salaries of for-profit daycare owners who have undergone educational training.

“Without the wage enhancement, I will certainly be working below minimum wage,” said daycare operator Judy Wilson-Shee.

Wilson-Shee is one of the operators who spoke out today, a little over a week after the cuts were announced.

Many owners say they’re facing a $5 per hour cut from their paycheques.

“Five dollars, 44 hours a week – because that’s the maximum you can bill the government for – that is $1,444 less in a budget,” said daycare operator Jean Robinson. “So I have to sit down and figure out where I’ll find that money.”

Parents in attendance at Saturday’s meeting said they’re concerned the cuts will mean higher childcare fees.

“Depending on what the family situation and income situation is for the home, not everybody is going to be able to continue affording daycare,” said Tara Gray.

New Brunswick’s opposition parties stood together Saturday, pledging to fight the subsidy cut. The governing Liberal Party said it is supporting youth.

“This year we have increased the budget for childhood education by $3.5 million,” Early Childhood Development Minister Serge Rousselle said Thursday.

Rousselle met with some daycare operators Friday. All week, he has been firing back at those who say this is a cut.

“Yes we made a choice to redistribute in the best interests of the children,” Rousselle said.

Daycare operators said they disagree with that rationale.

“We’ve heard of stories where they have to let staff go. They’re going to have to stop offering services to families with special needs children because they have to find the money somewhere,” said Robinson.

Robinson said a daycare in Shediac has already closed, in part because of the cuts.

On Thursday afternoon, MLAs will debate an opposition motion to reverse the subsidy cut. A vote on the motion will follow.

With files from CTV Atlantic’s Nick Moore