HALIFAX -- The province of New Brunswick and the federal government have reached a funding agreement to help early learning and child-care sector in implementing COVID-19 health and safety guidelines.

"The Safe Restart Agreement will provide $14-million to help operators ensure they have the resources they need to meet the COVID-19 health and safety guidelines while also supporting increased hours of service, which will benefit families," the province said in a news release.

Funding will be provided through a monthly grant to licensed early learning and child-care facilities that meet the following terms and conditions:

  • using the funding to offset the cost associated with the impact of COVID-19;
  • ensuring hours of operation meet the needs of parents to support workforce participation;
  • ensuring licensed spaces are made available based on demand; and
  • updating space availability monthly on the department’s Parent Portal.