Accessible Childcare: A Necessity, Not a Privilege 

Creating a more equitable society often starts with examining the systems people rely on every day. For RRC Polytech student Edwige Ozo, that meant taking a closer look at childcare. 

Through her project, Accessible Childcare: A Necessity, Not a Privilege, Edwige explored the challenges many families face in accessing affordable and inclusive childcare and explored the broader impacts on gender equity, workforce participation, and community well-being.  

Her work earned the Top Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Entry award at Red River College Polytechnic’s 2026 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Student Competition. The SDG Student Competition is part of RRC Polytech’s commitment to the SDG Accord and participation in SDG Month Canada. Each year, students are invited to share how they are integrating the SDGs into their academic projects.  

Here is what Edwige shared about her experience. 

Q: Tell us about your project. 

Edwige: My project, Accessible Childcare in Canada: A Necessity, Not a Privilege, examines how accessible childcare is not merely a convenience but a cornerstone of social infrastructure that underpins economic participation, gender equity, and sustainable development. The project advocates for childcare as a public investment rather than a private burden and explores the barriers many families face in accessing affordable and inclusive care. 

Q: What did your research reveal about childcare access in Canada? 

Edwige: One of the most striking findings was the gap between childcare demand and available spaces. Statistics Canada data shows that regulated childcare spaces serve only about 31% of children aged 0 to 5. Many childcare centres also report extensive waitlists, making it difficult for families to secure care when they need it. 

Affordability is another major challenge. Outside Quebec, infant care costs can exceed $50 per day, creating significant financial pressure for many households. 

Q: Who is most affected by these barriers? 

Edwige: While many families struggle with childcare access, some groups face additional challenges. Nearly half of parents of children with disabilities report difficulty finding suitable childcare. Newcomer families may also encounter language, cultural, accessibility, and affordability barriers that make it harder to access services. 

These barriers can limit parents’ ability to work, pursue education, or fully participate in community life. 

Q: Why is childcare an equity issue? 

Edwige: Childcare directly affects economic opportunity and social inclusion. When affordable and accessible childcare is unavailable, women are often disproportionately impacted because they continue to carry a significant share of caregiving responsibilities. Accessible childcare helps create more equitable opportunities for employment, education, and economic participation. 

Q: What change would you like to see? 

Edwige: I hope more people begin to view childcare as essential infrastructure rather than an individual family responsibility. Investing in affordable and inclusive childcare benefits children, families, communities, and the broader economy. Creating equitable access to childcare is an important step toward building a more sustainable and inclusive future. 

Q: What does receiving this recognition mean to you? 

Edwige: Receiving the Top Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Entry award was encouraging because it highlighted the importance of conversations around accessibility and equity. It reinforced my belief that research and storytelling can help bring attention to issues that affect people’s everyday lives and contribute to meaningful change.