What is the Minister’s Engagement Table (MET)?
The Minister’s Engagement Table is a strategic advisory forum that brings together Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) sector leaders from across Nova Scotia.
- Members provide system level advice that helps government test assumptions, identify risks, and strengthen decision making as the ELCC system continues to evolve.
- The Table supports open, respectful dialogue and ensures policies and initiatives are informed by sector expertise and lived experience.
ELCC Sector Calls Are Returning This Fall
This fall, ELCC is making changes to Sector Calls so they are easier to join, more useful and focused on the questions that matter most to the sector.
Public Engagement
Between Fall 2023 and Spring 2024 we held consultations with families, service providers and community members across Nova Scotia.
Consultations occurred at the midway point of Nova Scotia’s implementation of the 2021-2026 Canada Wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement. We discussed priorities, hopes and where more work is needed.
For details on what we heard please see the report:
Early Learning and Child Care Minister’s Engagement Table
The Minister’s Early Learning and Child Care Engagement Table brings together a broad and diverse group of individuals from across the province. They inform, engage and support on issues and initiatives related to the transformation of Nova Scotia’s early learning and child care system.
About the Engagement Table
Through the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement, we are working to transform the delivery of child care across the province. The Engagement Table will help advance this important work.
- Original members were announced in May 2022.
- Members commit to a one-year term, with the possibility for an extension.
- Membership is reviewed annually.
- Members meet once a quarter.
- Expenses for members participating in the Table are reimbursed or covered in accordance with government standards. Release of time (substitutes for early childhood educators) if necessary, will be accommodated.
- The Table is facilitated by an experienced external facilitator.
- Mi'kmaw Education Services HRCE - Arlea Walsh, Halifax Regional Municipality
- Centre d’excellence pour l’éducation et le développement de la petite enfance - Jacinthe Adams, Yarmouth County
- Child Care Now (NS) – Margot Nickerson, Halifax Regional Municipality
- Child care operator – Donna Buckland, Halifax Regional Municipality
- Child care operator – Michelle Conrod, Halifax Regional Municipality
- Child care operator – Kimberly Cormier, Antigonish County
- Child care operator – Trina Fraser, Halifax Regional Municipality
- Child care operator – Helen Gamble Mortimer, Cape Breton Regional Municipality
- Child care operator – Denise Goulden, Digby County
- Child care operator – Jighisha Patel, Inverness County
- Child care operator – Nicole Stevens, Lunenburg County
- Child care operator – Beth Towler, Halifax Regional Municipality
- Early Childhood Education Consultant Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey – Miranda Bernard, Membertou
- Early Childhood Educator and Family Home Consultant – Tonya Pelley, Guysborough County
- Early Childhood Educator – Jennifer Chase, Lunenburg County
- Union of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq – Jenna Marr, Membertou
- Confederacy of Mainland Mi’kmaq – Denise Hodgson, Millbrook
- Family Home Child Care Provider – Melissa Castonguay, Pictou County
- Faculty, MSVU Child & Youth Studies – Christine McLean, Halifax Regional Municipality
- Faculty, MSVU Political and Canadian Studies – Tammy Findlay, Halifax Regional Municipality
- Fox Hollow Child Care & Family Home Agency – Leanne Thomey, Halifax Regional Municipality
- Jane Norman College Family Home Agency and Child Care Centre – Kimberly Elliott, Colchester County
- NS Early Childhood Development Intervention Services – Patricia Monaghan, Halifax Regional Municipality
- YMCA and Child care operator - Trina Clarke, Cumberland County
- Meeting 13: January 17, 2026
- Meeting 12: September 20, 2025
- Meeting 11: June 11, 2025
- Meeting 10: January 25, 2025
- Meeting 9: June 8, 2024
- Meeting 8: April 13, 2024
- Meeting 7: January 20, 2024
- Meeting 6: November 4, 2023
- Meeting 5: June 17, 2023
- Meeting 4: February 4, 2023
- Meeting 3: October 22, 2022
- Meeting 2: August 13, 2022
- Meeting 1: June 11, 2022
Sector Communication
ELCC Sector Calls Are Returning This Fall
This fall, ELCC is making changes to Sector Calls so they are easier to join, more useful and focused on the questions that matter most to the sector.
Sector Calls are regular online meetings where the ELCC team shares updates, answers common questions and helps the sector prepare for upcoming changes.
Tell us what works best for you:
Vote for the day and time that work best for you and your team.
Use the new What’s on Your Mind form to send us your questions, ideas and concerns. Your input will help us find common themes, plan future Sector Calls and prepare helpful updates.
The next Sector Call date, time and agenda will be shared in the coming weeks.
April 22, 2026
- Questions and Answers (PDF)
- Questions-réponses (PDF)
January 28, 2026
- Questions and Answers (PDF)
- Questions-réponses (PDF)
September 24, 2025
- Slide deck (PDF)
- Questions and Answers (PDF)
- Questions-réponses (PDF)
Sector Call (June 18, 2025)
- Slide deck (PDF)
- Questions and Answers (PDF)
- Questions-réponses (PDF)
- 12 October 2022 - ECE Classification Process and Timelines
- 12 October 2022 - Higher Wages for Early Childhood Educators (ECEs)
- 10 August 2022 - Summer Update
- 30 May 2022 - Announcement and Sector Call
- 16 May 2022 – Adapting Spaces and Sales
- 18 Feb 2022 – 2022-23 Funding Agreement, Parent Fee Reductions, and One Time Grant