ECEs: Wages and Benefits - Member's Statement

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Dartmouth South.

CLAUDIA CHENDER « » : Mr. Speaker, I beg leave to make an introduction.

THE SPEAKER « » : Permission granted.

CLAUDIA CHENDER « » : I'd like to draw the members' attention to the gallery opposite, where we are joined today by a number of early childhood educators and their allies.

When I call your name, if you would stand, and then you can receive the warm welcome of the House: Margot Nickerson, Daphnee Hahn, Jillian MacIsaac, Bobbi Keating, Kristen MacIsaac, Jacklyn Rodler, and Lindsy Atwell. We're also joined by Nan McFadgen, president of CUPE Nova Scotia, and Naomi Stewart, national CUPE rep. If I've missed anyone, please stand as well.

Please stand and receive the warm welcome of the House. (Applause)

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Dartmouth South.

ECEs: WAGES AND BENEFITS - SUPPORT

CLAUDIA CHENDER « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the diligent and important work of Nova Scotia's early childhood educators, especially those who are working in our regulated child care centres across the province. I can honestly say, and have said before in this Chamber, that if it wasn't for these amazing, mostly women, at least half of our caucus would not have had the ability to run and take our seats in this House.

The work of these ECEs help to mould and nurture our children and significantly contribute to the economy of this province by allowing mothers and fathers to move into the workforce knowing that their children are well cared for and loved.

Unfortunately, many of these workers are barely able to subsist on the wages set by this province, and most have no benefits. They are hoping to change that, and we are standing with them.

Please join me in acknowledging the hard work that they do. (Applause)

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Kings West.