Nunavut Government introduces new Early Learning and Child Care Act and increases wages of licensed child care staff
March 3rd, 2025
New Legislation Proposed in Nunavut: Bill 66 – Early Learning and Child Care Act
The Government of Nunavut introduced Bill 66 – Early Learning and Child Care Act on February 24, 2025. If passed, the proposed legislation will replace the outdated Child Care Act, legislation that was inherited from the Northwest Territories when Nunavut became a territory in 1999 and has not been updated since 1988.
According to the news release and the Child Day Care Act Consultation Report, the government consulted with 14 communities throughout the territory hearing from families, Inuit organizations, local leaders, and early learning and child care staff. The proposed changes capture a commitment to ensure early learning and child care in Nunavut is “accessible, affordable, inclusive, and rooted in Inuit culture, values and language. This represents a significant step forward in prioritizing the well-being and education of children in Nunavut.”
Bill 66 includes:
- Improvements to licensing requirements, safety and accountability,
- The establishment of the Early Learning and Child Care Council, and
- Supports for the well-being of children, caregivers, and educators.
Wage Scale Increases Coming for ELCC staff in Nunavut
On February 25, 2025, the Government of Nunavut announced early learning staff in licensed child care centres in Nunavut will receive a 7.5% increase to their wages as of April 1, 2025. The increase is part of the ELCC Wage Scale Program and is supported by federal funding. The wage increase is intended to address the recruitment and retention crisis across the sector in the territory.
Information and details on the wage increase and applications for funding is available at the government’s Wage Scale Program.