Newfoundland and Labrador advocates launch petition for decent pensions
Child Care Now – Newfoundland and Labrador has launched a new petition calling on the provincial government of Newfoundland and Labrador to introduce a defined benefit pension plan for the ECE workforce. The group is advocating for the provincial government to fund 100% of employer contributions and increase ECE wages to compensate employees for the loss in take-home pay from employee contributions.
Newfoundland and Labrador has recently announced a medical benefits plan for ECEs but has not committed to developing a pension plan. According to a recent survey of ECEs in the province, 83% do not have a pension plan and 90% have no idea how they will ever retire.
“Without a solid foundation children are at risk of not reaching their full potential. Early Childhood Educators are instrumental in setting this foundation and deserve to retire with dignity” – Patrice Gordon, ECE, and Child Care Now NL Steering Committee
Providing a defined benefit pension plan, as recently introduced in Nova Scotia, will enable ECEs to stay in the field doing the work that they feel called to do – educating young children. In Newfoundland and Labrador, and across Canada, retaining experienced early childhood educators in the sector is essential to expand licensed child care and provide care for all children and families that need it.