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Sioux Lookout, ON – The Municipality of Sioux Lookout wishes to advise of upcoming changes to childcare programming.

As originally announced on September 17, 2021, the Municipality had entered into a “Transfer Agreement” with the Kenora District Services Board (KDSB), wherein the KDSB would assume responsibility for the two Municipally-run Childcare centres on January 1, 2022.  As part of the transfer, the KDSB and its union (IBEW) had agreed to take on all staff and ensure the years of service of the staff was not lost.  In a subsequent update to the public on November 8, 2021, the Municipality advised that it had become aware of an application filed by CUPE to the Ontario Labour Board with respect to which union will represent the childcare workers following the transfer. As a result of this application and associated issues, the Municipality advised that it would continue operating the childcare centres into the first quarter of 2022, after which it was anticipated that the KDSB would assume operation of childcare services.

In a letter dated January 20, 2022, the KDSB notified the Municipality of its intention to withdraw from the Transfer Agreement due to the inability to find a resolution to the issue of which union would represent the childcare workers.

At this time, the Municipality will cease to offer childcare services and will be closing the Biidaaban and Sioux Mountain Children’s Centres at the end of the day on Thursday, March 31, 2022.

“We remain hopeful that there will be minimal disruption in the provision of childcare services, and that the KDSB will have alternative arrangements in place to fill the gap, advised Michelle Larose, CAO. “Nevertheless, parents should prepare in the event that there is a disruption to the services,” Larose added.

Mayor Doug Lawrance adds, “It is unfortunate that the issue of which union will represent the Sioux Lookout childcare workers is hindering the smooth transition of childcare services from the Municipality to the KDSB. The Municipality worked very hard with the KDSB to ensure the transfer agreement would provide support and protections to the Municipal childcare workers with respect to job security, seniority, and accrued vacation and sick banks.” Lawrance adds, “Our primary goal, from day one of the transfer talks, was to have this resolved to best provide continuous service to local families and children. Our concern wasn’t just for the workers affected, but local families and employers who will be impacted by any potential service disruptions.”

Larose concluded, “Any questions regarding the availability of childcare services after March 31st should be directed to the KDSB.”

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For more information, please contact:
Michelle Larose, Chief Administrative Officer
807-737-2700 or [email protected]

PDF version available to download at link below.

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