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. As citizens of Canada, teachers are required to participate in the social security programs of the federal government. The Unemployment Insurance plan provides benefits to persons who are unemployed through maternity or illness, as well as through general unavailability of suitable work.
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. Metro Toronto Elem.