Recent Announcement from the Government of New Brunswick Leaves Many of the ECE Industry Frustrated and Upset

Today, the Government of New Brunswick announced a “75 cents per hour wage increase for early childhood educators who have completed a two-year college diploma or a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or a related field.”

A two-year program was not previously accessible in the province of New Brunswick.

This means that this wage increase is not offered to our seasoned, passionate educators of many years who hold a one-year diploma in Early Childhood Education. They continue to work for $16.50 with all the qualifications that were acceptable yet are no longer recognized. Those holding the same one-year diploma can seek positions as an Educational Assistant or Aid for over $20 per hour.

We invite all Directors and Owners of Child Care centers in New Brunswick that, in collaboration of the Early Childhood Education industry, can be made available on Friday, April 12 at 9:30 a.m. to join us for an EMERGENCY meeting at 96 Norwood Avenue, suite 202 in Moncton regarding this announcement.

This announcement is unfair, shameful, and completely disrespectful to our valued and trained educators that continue to empower our children for next to minimum wage.

One center owner, Michaela Walsh, says “The way this article is written is very misleading and the decision [is] unfair.
Not all trained educators will receive the extra 75 cents. The majority of those with ECE were in a one-year program, which is what is primarily offered by schools. Out of my 25 staff, 3 would qualify.”

We will not stand for the continued disrespect the province continues to show our industry.

Together, we will change this.