EDMONTON — Labour groups are lobbying Alberta's NDP government to set up universal early childhood education and child care.
The Alberta Federation of Labour says there are not enough child- care spaces in the province and fees are too high for many families.
The federation says studies show children with access to such a program would do better in school, live healthier lives and would be at a lower risk of trouble with the law.
As a start, the federation would like the government to review child care and monitor existing programs.
The labour groups also want the province to set up regulated child- care centres in government buildings.
The federation has launched a petition and is meeting with members of the legislature to kick off its Fair Start campaign.