Quebec provides new incentives to attract more daycare workers
Global News
The government wants to hire 18,000 new daycare educators by 2026 and requalify 7,000 existing workers. The plan is budgeted at $300 Million.
The Quebec government is setting some ambitious hiring goals to make up for a shortage of daycare educators.
Family Minister Mathieu Lacombe and Labour Minister Jean Boulet announced plans to hire 18,000 new daycare educators and upgrade the skills of 7,000 current ones.
Some major incentives are being offered to attract workers to the field.
CEGEP students can apply for up to nine thousand dollars in scholarship funds while studying. Retired workers will be offered a 6.6 per cent bonus to return to work.
“We have to implement and carry out as many measures as possible to make sure with the addition of those new programs we will be able to answer the needs of the employers,” Labour Minister Jean Boulet said at Monday afternoon press conference.
Boulet admits there is a challenge to find new staff but he’s optimistic the incentives will entice people to work in the field or bring some back from retirement.
A sentiment shared by Family Minister Mathieu Lacombe.
“I think everyone will win if we have more people. So, I think it’s a good measure,” Lacombe said.