Ontario reducing child-care fees in January [Video]

Ontario child-care operators in the national $10-a-day program will soon be compensated in a way the province says will cover the true cost of providing care, after many said they were struggling to keep their doors open under the current structure.

Education Minister Todd Smith is set to announce a long-delayed new funding formula Thursday, saying he thinks the new formula will prevent closures and give operators certainty and stability.

“Given the feedback and the extensive consultation that’s taken place on the new funding formula, we’re pretty comfortable that those who are operating and those who want to operate are going to be able to do so in the province, creating those much needed spaces that families are looking for,” he said in an interview.

The new funding structure, which will come into effect Jan. 1, also comes with an announcement that as of the same day the fees parents …