The transfer of child care service in Sioux Lookout has been delayed.
The Kenora District Services Board was scheduled to take over service from the Municipality on January 1.
However, an application to the Ontario Labour Board with respect to which union will represent the workers following the transfer has been made.
That means the Municipality will be required to continue operating the two childcare centres (Biidaaban and Sioux Mountain) into the first quarter of 2022, after which it’s anticipated the KDSB will take over the service.
Officials stress childcare services will continue into the new year.
In a statement community officials stressed:
-Municipal childcare workers are not being asked to relinquish any collective bargaining rights
-The Municipality has, through the Transfer Agreement, ensured the protection of our childcare worker’s rights and benefits, including the retention of seniority, vacation, sick leave entitlements, and other such benefits which have been negotiated and accrued over the years
-The Municipality has kept its childcare staff informed of the process and continues to be transparent with respect to the transfer of the program, answering questions and concerns from staff as they arise.
-The Municipality has worked diligently with the KDSB to ensure that the childcare delivery model implemented through a transfer would not see a reduction in childcare spaces
KDSB Chief Administrative Officer Henry Wall has stated the agreement ensures programming will remain affordable, accessible, and sustainable into the future.
Wall believes the arrangement will help them focus on enhancing programs in order to offer more child care spaces in the community.
