A petition on behalf of Manitoba child-care workers and families who use daycare services has been presented to the provincial government calling for more funding. 

Manitoba Child Care Association (MCCA) executive director Jodie Kehl presented the 26,000-signature petition on Tuesday at the legislature.

The petition highlights the need for more daycare spaces and early childhood educators.

The association says child-care centres are struggling to retain staff because they can't afford to pay competitive wages.

Kehl said that the MCCA believes "that early learning and childcare is a bipartisan issue and is calling on all parties to work in partnership as we collectively support Manitoba's children and families and their right to access high-quality childcare in this province."

Kehl said issues like wage freezes the last few years is making it hard to attract workers with competitive wages.

Families Minister Heather Stefanson says the province and Ottawa will soon be talking about the situation. Stefanson also says that despite inheriting fiscal difficulties from the previous NDP government, the Conservative government does plan to add 1,600 daycare spots this year.

There are about 16,000 children on the wait list for licensed childcare spots.