The president of the provincial Federation of Labour is pleased to see affordable child care and the beginnings of $15 minimum wage included in the federal budget.

Mary Shortall says those two measures alone will be a big boost to women, families and low-income earners.

She says the federal government’s commitment toward $10-a-day childcare is the “first time” where a clear plan has been laid out with clear targets.

Shortall calls it “good for the economy, good for women, good for families… and good for children.”

While the $15 minimum wage only applies to federally-regulated sectors, she says it’s still a good first step.

Shortall believes that it signals that the federal government understands the importance of the increase to minimum wage. She hopes the provincial government takes note, in order to stimulate the economy.