Undoubtedly, we can't build this system without the workforce, without qualified, well-respected, well-compensated early childhood educators. Here in Ontario, to date, there has been some incremental progress.
I would point to Nova Scotia most recently, which brought forward wage increases as well as benefits and a defined pension contribution plan. We are seeing various provinces step up, not quite all, but there is work, obviously, to continue to support that and engage.
The last point I would make is that I convene a federal-provincial-territorial table on an annual basis. At the last table, there was a commitment by all provinces and territories to work together on a workforce strategy focused on retention, recruitment etc. That work is ongoing. I would expect that we will hear more about that in the fall, but there is wholeheartedly a need and a focus to make sure that the workforce is well supported and well compensated.
In our budget this year, 2024, we've also made some investments around student loan forgiveness for ECEs who choose to practise in rural areas.
I see that the chair is giving me my time.