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Alberta Party leader Stephen Mandel says a government led by him would provide vouchers and tax credits to help families with kids in daycare or after-school care.

Making his first announcement his campaign to the April 16 provincial election, Mandel says low- and middle-income families could use the vouchers at any licensed daycare.

He says the vouchers would provide a subsidy — on a sliding scale depending on family income — of up to 100 per cent of child-care costs.

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An income-tested caregiver tax credit would be available for families choosing not to use licensed care.

Alberta Party Leader Stephen Mandel interacting with children at a west Edmonton daycare, where he announced his party's child care plan. Wednesday, March 20, 2019. Global News Alberta Party Leader Stephen Mandel interacting with children at a west Edmonton daycare, where he announced his party's child care plan. Wednesday, March 20, 2019. Global News Alberta Party Leader Stephen Mandel interacting with children at a west Edmonton daycare, where he announced his party's child care plan. Wednesday, March 20, 2019. Global News Alberta Party Leader Stephen Mandel interacting with children at a west Edmonton daycare, where he announced his party's child care plan. Wednesday, March 20, 2019. Global News

Mandel also says an Alberta Party government would create more affordable child-care spaces around the province.

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He says the NDP government’s $25-a-day child-care plan covers just under 7,300 kids, but his party’s program would apply to more than 100,000 Alberta families.

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“This represents the biggest expansion of child care in the history of Alberta, which will support participation in the workforce and position Alberta for a prosperous future,” Mandel said Wednesday in a written release.

“Alberta’s kids are our most important investment and that’s why we are putting children first.” Tweet This

Families with a combined income of less than $30,000 wouldn’t pay anything for child care, he said.

That would increase in increments for every extra $20,000 of income and would max out at $30 a day per child for families making between $90,000 and $110,000.

READ MORE: How Global News is covering Alberta election 2019

WATCH BELOW: Shaye Ganam hears from former PC MLA Heather Klimchuk and Justin Archer of Berlin Communications about what Albertans can expect during the election.

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