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Checking In: A Night of Connection, Advocacy, and Momentum in Nova Scotia

On October 2, Child Care Now Nova Scotia hosted its fall Check-In — an evening that showcased the strength, determination, and solidarity of the province’s child care movement. The event brought together early childhood educators, students, advocates, and members of the public dedicated to shaping the future of child care in Nova Scotia. Media representatives from CBC and CTV were also in attendance, helping amplify the discussion beyond the event space and into the broader public conversation.

The evening opened with Dr. Christine Saulnier from the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives – Nova Scotia (CCPA–NS), who provided an insightful overview of the province’s current child care landscape. The presentation highlighted both the milestones achieved and the challenges that remain.

Speakers Elizabeth Conrad and Margot Nickerson reflected on a major victory for the sector — the successful achievement of pension coverage for early childhood educators — emphasizing the role of persistence, collaboration, and long-term advocacy in creating lasting change.

Dr. Tammy Findlay of Mount Saint Vincent University reviewed Child Care Now Nova Scotia’s accomplishments over the past year and outlined priorities for the year ahead. Adding to the evening’s sense of momentum, a UNIFOR representative joined remotely to announce the successful conclusion of a strike earlier that day — a timely reminder of the power of collective action.

Throughout the evening, participants engaged in honest and hopeful conversations centered on the shared vision of a publicly funded, accessible, and educator-supported child care system in Nova Scotia.

Child Care Now Nova Scotia extends thanks to CUPE for funding the event, to the Keshen Goodman Library for hosting, and to all attendees for their engagement and commitment to advancing child care advocacy. Events like this continue to demonstrate that meaningful, collective change in the child care sector is both possible and within reach.