Among the more startling hypocrisies in our society is that so many who care for our most precious resource - the children - are not paid according to the importance of their work.
Recent moves by governments in Nova Scotia and Alberta over the past few weeks represent a welcome, if small, step in the right direction.
According to the Canadian Child Care Federation, both provinces have boosted wage subsidies to their childcare facilities, enabling them to increase wages for workers who look after young children.
In a news release, federation president Don Giesbrecht noted that childcare workers across the country typically earn little more than minimum wage and endure difficult working conditions, despite their specialized training and the fact they are looking after children during the important formative years.
This is not the only arena where compensation fails to reflect the importance of the job. Provincially-funded children's mental health centres in Ontario are plagued with high turnover of child and youth workers and social workers, and have a hard time attracting qualified staff because of low wages, which haven't increased in over a decade.
It's not unusual for staff - who make substantially less than teachers or hospital workers - to hold down more than one job to make ends meet, staying in the field primarily because they are so committed to the kids and families they help.
Constant turnover isn't just a nightmare for administration and morale either. It's also devastating for kids who have developed a trusting bond during treatment.
Giesbrecht's message about child care workers should apply to all professionals committed to caring for children and youth.
As he said, "We encourage all the provinces and territories to invest in their child care workforces. The skilled, dedicated men and women who care for children deserve to be fairly compensated. "
Children and their families deserve it too.
Who could argue with that?
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