Advertisement

Nova Scotia to increase wages, provide benefits and pension for child-care workers

Click to play video: 'Nova Scotia to raise wages for early childhood educators'
Nova Scotia to raise wages for early childhood educators
Nova Scotia's provincial government is delivering wage increases and introducing pensions to thousands of early childhood educators throughout the province. As Skye Bryden-Blom reports, the rollout's cost is pegged at more than $100-million dollars. – Dec 20, 2023

Licensed child-care workers in Nova Scotia will receive pay raises of between 14 and 17 per cent next spring and will also be provided with new pension and benefits plans.

Becky Druhan, minister of early childhood development, announced the changes Wednesday, calling them a “milestone in the professionalization” of the province’s child-care sector.

“We understand that having a strong, stable early-learning … system means implementing programs and benefits that support the recruitment, retention and recognition of staff,” said Druhan.

The Progressive Conservative government estimates the entire cost will be $111 million beginning in 2024, with the province funding $75.7 million and $35.3 million provided through an agreement with the federal government.

The minister said about 3,000 early childhood educators working in provincially licensed child-care centres will receive hourly wage increases ranging from $3.14 to $4.24, beginning April 1. The pay increases are on top of those Druhan announced in October 2022 that ranged between 14 and 43 per cent and were aimed at making working in child care a more attractive option for those considering a career.

Story continues below advertisement

Under the new pay bump, workers classified as Level 1, 2 or 3 based on education and experience will see increases of between 14 and 16 per cent. Those who work in leadership positions, such as directors or assistant directors, will get increases ranging from 15 to 17 per cent.

Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day.

Get daily National news

Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day.
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Hourly wages will rise to between $22.91 and $28.78 for level 1, 2 and 3 early childhood educators, and up to $34.54 for those in leadership roles.

As well, Druhan said all employees will be included in a comprehensive group benefits and pension plan as the raises are phased in next year. “The province will fully fund operators for their contribution amounts,” Druhan said.

Officials said the wage increases would help offset the employees’ contributions to fund the new benefits. “We heard from the sector that balancing affordability while implementing a health benefits and retirement plan is crucial,” said Druhan.

The changes followed a review by consultant HUB International and consultations with a child-care sector working group.

Amanda Reyes, an early childhood educator at Needham Early Learning Centre in north-end Halifax who was a member of the working group, said the changes were a long time coming.

“As a member of the working group I feel we were listened to,” said Reyes. “With the wage increases, this will really help with the affordability of the pension and benefits.”

Story continues below advertisement

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 20, 2023.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 20, 2023.

Sponsored content

AdChoices