A part of the agreement that Ontario signed with the federal government specified a minimum hourl wage of $18 in 2022 with an increase of one dollar each year. According to a policy released by the Ontario Association of Childcare Educators and the Child Care Union on Wednesday, the minimum wage in Ontario is currently set at $19 per hour after the minimum wage for childcare educators in Saskatchewan and the Northwest Territories.
Alana Paul, the Executive Director of the ECE Association, stated that many childcare centers across the province have reduced their enrollments or closed down due to a lack of workforce, primarily stemming from low wages. Activists are demanding a minimum wage of $30 to $40 per hour for registered childcare educators and a minimum of $25 per hour for non-registered staff, which includes approximately 40% of childcare workers who hold child care permits. Paul added that this is the only way to attract those who have left the profession and hire more skilled educators in this field.
The Minister of Education, Stephen Lecce, stated that this fall, they will announce a workforce strategy that includes an increase in wages for childcare educators but did not disclose the details. He added, "We intend to present a plan that demonstrates respect for the employees, and I believe it motivates them to stay because we need them for our economic growth, primarily helping women enter the labor market."

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