Ontario plans to increase the minimum wage for early childhood educators (ECE) to $23.86 per hour in 2023, which is up from the previously planned $20. This increase is meant to tackle staff shortages and is part of the childcare workforce strategy disclosed by Education Minister Stephen Lecce in November. Ontario’s starting wages for ECEs are expected to be among the highest in Canada, compared to being one of the lowest. The province intends to establish 86,000 additional childcare spaces by 2026 as part of the national system, ignoring the possibility of an 8,500 ECE shortfall by that time. #Ontario, #ECE, #early_childhood_educators, #labour_shortages