Nova Scotia’s Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) is demanding immediate action from the provincial government to release retroactive pay owed to early childhood educators (ECEs) across the province. The union asserts that the Nova Scotia Department of Education and Early Childhood Development is withholding authorization for the transfer of funds to childcare centres, preventing them from issuing the payments.
“Everyone deserves to be paid on time and our early childhood educators are no exception,” said Alan Linkletter, president of CUPE Nova Scotia, in a statement. “The Department has the ability – and the responsibility – to release these funds immediately. Delaying retroactive pay only exacerbates the staffing issues already plaguing the early childhood education sector.”
The call for immediate payment comes as Nova Scotia childcare centres struggle with recruitment and retention. According to CUPE, chronic underpayment and a lack of professional recognition contribute to the difficulties in staffing centres, impacting their ability to meet demand for services. Tabitha Warren, president of CUPE 4745 and an ECE herself, stated, “Early childhood educators have done their part. They’ve done the work, but are still waiting for their pay. This delay sends the message that the province devalues the people who produce early childhood education possible. It’s unacceptable, and it needs to be fixed right away.”
CUPE is urging the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development to authorize the immediate release of all outstanding funds, enabling childcare centres to distribute the retroactive wages. The union has pledged to continue advocating for the timely compensation of ECEs.
In February 2025, the Nova Scotia government announced it had reached tentative agreements with CUPE representing over 4,400 education support workers, including ECEs, aides, and bus drivers. Brendan Maguire, Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development, expressed his satisfaction with the agreements, stating they reflected a commitment to strengthening the province’s education system. However, details of the agreements were to be released pending ratification by CUPE members. These agreements had previously expired on March 31, 2024, necessitating new negotiations facilitated by the provincial government.
