$16.1M To Increase Wages For Home Care, Support Workers

Social Development Minister Dorothy Shephard announcing more than $16.1 million to boost wages for home care, family support and attendant care workers.

This increase kicks in on May 1st and will only bring the workers above $14 an hour.

Shephard agrees it’s not enough.

“In a frustrated moment, I honestly thought what I could be able to offer would only demoralize them more but, the Premier came to the table and we worked with the Treasury Board and we found the raises that we needed to at least show we were sincere in our effort but, I’m not done,” Shephard said.

Social Development Minister Dorothy Shephard announces more than $16.1M to boost wages for home support workers and others.
This will bring wages to just over $14/hr which Shephard agrees is not enough. #saintjohn pic.twitter.com/Rymmqc6eH6

— Tamara Steele (@tamarasteele1) April 5, 2019

Jan Seeley of the New Brunswick Home Support Association says often the public is not aware of the services these workers provide.

“For years, special care homes, home support agencies, family support agencies, adapt agencies and community residences were often overlooked at a time when the province was in a better fiscal situation that it is now. So I truly want to commend this government for taking these steps.” Seeley said.

Shephard says this is a sector that has been undervalued financially for a very long time.