The Stefanson government may raise the minimum wage this year above a pre-set rate.
Manitoba raises the minimum wage based on inflation from the previous year. So it is expected to increase from $ 11.95 per hour to $ 12.35 in October. But Manitoba will be the last in the country when Saskatchewan raises its minimum wage to $ 13 later this year.
With inflation and the cost of living now, the province can expect a larger increase in October.
“We recognize that we need to move forward … to make sure our minimum wage is competitive across the country,” said Prime Minister Heather Stephenson. The province has introduced legislation that allows the cabinet to raise the minimum wage above the normal rate if inflation exceeds five percent in the first three months of the year.
But it is not clear how much more the salary can be increased. Labor Minister Reg Hallower said the province wanted feedback from businesses and working groups before making any decisions.
“We tend to follow other provinces, sometimes run other provinces, but we will listen to these consultations to determine where to go on this issue,” Hallower said. Too much increase can be difficult for a business. Kathleen Cook of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business said small businesses are still recovering from the pandemic blockade.
“Many of them have incurred significant debts to survive the pandemic and are under pressure from inflation,” Cook said, “so our number one message to governments this year is not a new expense.”
Defenders of poverty and others have been fighting for a minimum wage of $ 15 an hour for years.
Jessica Boyle said it could be done.
“I came from Alberta, and Alberta costs $ 15 an hour, and that’s more reasonable for the minimum wage,” Boyle said. The Canadian Federation of Independent Business said that if a larger increase in the minimum wage is introduced, the province could seek help from small businesses with compensation such as fuel tax cuts or wage subsidies.
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