Solution to pre-primary problems is ECEC: CUPE Nova Scotia

A new study which shows more than one-quarter of Nova Scotia children entering primary school have learning problems should not come as a big surprise, according to CUPE Nova Scotia President Danny Cavanagh. “The statistics compiled from data gathered by primary teachers in 2012-2013 confirm what countless studies have shown – that our country, as a whole, is lagging far behind other developed countries when it comes to early childhood education and care (ECEC). The study from the provincial Department Education and Early Childhood Development showed about one in four students (26.8 per cent) start school in Nova Scotia with a developmental challenge, according to questionnaires completed by their teachers.” “This is even more proof that we need to move toward a public system of ECEC, with a dramatic expansion of child care services built right into our existing schools. This is often called the ‘hub model’ and is working really well in other jurisdictions, such … Read more…

CUPE lauds minister for approving hub school model

The president of CUPE Nova Scotia, Danny Cavanagh, is pleased to see the Minister of Education approve in principle the Hub School Model, as recommended by the School Review Process Study Report. “It is a good start,” says Cavanagh. “CUPE has supported using school buildings in non-traditional ways as an alternative to school closures for a number of years. A little outside-the-box thinking never hurts, and we have lots to offer on ideas for hub models.” CUPE’s submission to the School Review Process Consultation advocates that underutilized space in school buildings be used for badly-needed early learning and childcare. “Using school buildings to invest in publically-funded and operated early learning and childcare centres would benefit children, parents and local economies,” Cavanagh says. A report commissioned for CUPE by highly-respected economist Robert Fairholm suggested that investing in early learning and childcare would provide the strongest economic boost in terms of jobs and economic growth for Nova Scotia, significantly higher than … Read more…

Asking the right questions: A guide for municipalities considering P3s

In this guide, economist John Loxley takes a critical look at the case for and against using public-private partnerships (P3s) for municipal infrastructure. Download a printable copy of Asking the right questions: A guide for municipalities considering P3s His analysis goes beyond the claims made by P3 promoters to examine the costs and consequences of privatizing vital community assets. Through a series of questions, Dr. Loxley outlines the problems that accompany infrastructure and service privatization, and highlights the value of keeping vital assets and services public. With growing financial and political pressure on municipalities to use P3s, this guide is a timely resource that answers key questions about financing and delivering infrastructure projects. Order free copies of the guide With this guide, municipal councillors and civic officials will be able to ask the right questions before considering entering into a P3. Order here.