Statement from Karla Bernard, Official Opposition Critic for Education and Lifelong Learning and the Status of Women, regarding delay in promised increase to ECE wages

I am concerned about the delay over the promised increases to Early Childhood Educator (ECE) wages.

Our ECEs are on the frontlines of supporting families as they navigate our new COVID reality. I have already outlined ongoing concerns from our ECEs and the families who depend on their support in a number of questions in the House, on public statements, interviews, and in numerous blogs on the Official Opposition website.

Without the critical work provided by ECEs many parents and guardians, and more predominantly women, would not be able to return to work. This is one of the principal barriers to the broader post-COVID economic recovery. More importantly, without the ability to return to work, many families would face difficult decisions regarding feeding, clothing, and sheltering their children.

I am asking for the Minister to publicly reaffirm his commitment to provide ECEs with a much-needed boost to their income, and to immediately roll out the increase as committed by him this past spring. Keeping your word and meeting the needs of those you promise to provide for is always the right and fair thing to do.

Karla Bernard, MLA
Charlottetown-Victoria Park
Official Opposition Critic for Education and Lifelong Learning and the Status of Women