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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2019-07-04, Page 28PAGE 28. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2019. @NWMOCanada Dig deeper, learn more by visiting nwmo.ca We’re scientists, engineers, safety experts. And PROUD CANADIANS. At the Nuclear Waste Management Organization, we’re responsible for Canada’s plan for the safe, long-term management of used nuclear fuel. Canada’s plan involves safely containing and isolating used nuclear fuel in an area with suitable geology and informed, willing hosts. Every day, we are conscious of our duty to be accountable to Canadians—to work and learn together, and to protect our safety, our environment and this beautiful land. NH to consider increased child care service plan Valerie Watson, North Huron’s child care services manager, has a daunting task ahead of her as North Huron Council has requested a report and recommendation for attracting and retaining top-tier staff for the municipality’s children’s programs. Watson, during North Huron Township’s June 17 meeting, explained that the current complement of staff in her department wasn’t sufficient for future growth, especially with her being eligible, though not seeking, retirement in the near future. Currently, the centre has full- time equivalency of 18 to 21 staff, while only utilizing six full- time employees. The difference is provided by non-full-time employees, meaning they don’t receive benefits and make less than their full-time peers. Watson, in her report, suggested the creation of a before- and after- school supervisor position, as well as an assistant supervisor for the main childcare centre and early learning centre. The financial impact of the move, she said, would be increased wage costs for either hiring new or promoting from within, the latter of which would cost approximately $15,000 per year per position ($30,000 for the change). The report was met with support from council, with Councillor Kevin Falconer agreeing with every point that Watson made about the program and its needs. He said that being able to provide quality child care would attract families, meaning more houses, followed by more taxes. Councillor Chris Palmer asked how the changes would impact the budget, and if Watson expected pushback if she had to increase daycare costs. Watson said that, thanks to funding from Huron County over the past several years, daycare costs have remained steady, and there haven’t been complaints when costs were increased. “In some areas we could do a larger increase,” she said. “We are in the same ballpark as most of the other centres except Goderich, [which] is still full despite having higher fees. “We don’t want to be too costly, though,” she said. “Full spaces pay all your bills. Councillor Ric McBurney asked why there was difficulty attracting staff, and Watson said the job is only attractive to certain people. “It’s tough work,” she said. “That’s a lot of responsibility that accompanies a $14 an hour job. It’s a very hard sell.” The $14-per-hour position Watson was referring to described an part- time employee without specialized training at the centre. Councillor Trevor Seip said he understood, because people could work less stressful positions for the same amount of money, pointing to service and retail positions. He went on to say that he would like to see these changes made at the cost of those using the facility, asking why residents 65 or older should have to pay for childcare through their taxes. Councillor Paul Heffer said that while he agreed Watson needs an assistant, he would like to see improvements for staff members throughout the department as well. Watson explained that staff shortages were definitively caused by lack of benefits. She said that, even at minimum wage, benefits would be a huge selling point for the jobs. “Even if wages remained lower, offering benefits is what young [employees] really need,” she said. “It helps with dental costs and medication and gives them the sense they are important enough to be paid benefits.” Watson said that the current organization of the department is also a stumbling block for hiring as staffing is “very flat”. She said that, aside from her position, everyone had the same responsibilities, meaning there was no real possibility for upward growth possible. Council received Watson’s report and gave her direction to bring back another report on how to attract and retain skilled childcare workers to better the program and better serve the community. When Palmer suggested that fee increases be part of that report, Reeve Bernie Bailey said he would rather deal with the needs Watson illustrated with regards to staffing shortages and training, and worry about the fees after decisions had been made regarding staffing. Seip, however, said the report had to deal with finances, and eventually, council changed its direction to have Watson include financial impacts as part of the forthcoming report. By Denny Scott The Citizen Doing some good St. John’s Anglican Church in Brussels held a special barbecue to benefit mental health on Friday in front of Brussels Foodland. A portion of the proceeds would be donated to the Tanner Steffler Foundation. From left: Bill Clark, Michelle Blake and Jill Sholdice. (Denny Scott photo)