Today the Ontario Government put out a news release which included an announcement to increase the starting wages for RECEs employed by child care operated by $3.86. Here is a portion of the news release:

"After extensive consultation, the province has developed a workforce strategy that responds to the issues and priorities of the sector. Starting in 2024, initiatives in the strategy include:

Increasing the starting wage for RECEs employed by child care operators enrolled in the Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) system to $23.86/hour in 2024 from the planned $20/hour
Extending the eligibility ceiling for a $1/hour increase so more RECEs can benefit
Supporting entry into the profession and career development
Cutting red tape for employers and providing more flexibility in staffing their programs
Launching a promotional campaign to bolster awareness and value of the child care profession
This wage enhancement builds on actions taken by the province through the introduction in 2022 of a new wage floor for RECEs working in settings participating in the CWELCC system which includes annual $1/hour wage increases beginning in 2023."

It is a start. But definitely not anywhere near enough.

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