Teacher Salary Information - Canada

In six of the provinces and the two territories, basic salary scales and fringe benefits are established through negotiations between the teachers' association and representatives of the government. In some cases, supplementary negotiations take place at the school board level concerning additional fringe benefits and conditions of work. In British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba and Ontario, all negotiations take place at the local or regional level.

Salary schedules in Canada are generally based on a combination of years of post-secondary education and years of experience, with additional allowances being paid to teachers with administrative responsibilities. Table 2 indicates the minimum and maximum salaries payable to teachers with degrees in 1996-97 under the provincial and territorial agreements and for representative centres where negotiations are conducted locally. Lower salaries than those shown are paid to teachers without degrees, and higher salaries to teachers with advanced special and graduate training.

Fringe benefits provided for in collective agreements may, but do not necessarily, include the following:

• compassionate leave
• supplementary medical insurance
• cumulative sick leave
• longterm disability insurance
• maternity leave
• retirement gratuities
• sabbatical and study leave
• life insurance
• dental insurance

General Social Security

As citizens of Canada, teachers are required to participate in the social security programs of the federal government. These include Unemployment Insurance and the Canada/Quebec Pension Plan. The Unemployment Insurance plan provides benefits to persons who are unemployed through maternity or illness, as well as through general unavailability of suitable work. The Canada/Quebec Pension Plan provides a basic minimum retirement allowance and, in addition, some disability and survivors' benefits.

Teachers also participate in the provincial hospital and medical insurance plans. The costs of these plans are shared by the federal and provincial governments. The plans cover the basic expenses of hospital accommodation and physicians' services. Details of coverage vary from province to province.

Table 2. Minimum and Maximum Salaries* for Teachers with Degree Standing or Equivalent*

* Grade 12 plus 4 years post-secondary education

Courtesy of the Canadian Teachers Federation