The minimum wage in British Columbia is going to increase this week.
On June 1, the B.C. government will raise the province’s minimum wage from $15.20 an hour to $15.65, an increase of 45 cents.
A 2.8 per cent increase will also apply to the live-in camp leader and live-in home-support worker minimum daily wages and the resident caretaker minimum monthly wage starting on June 1.
The increase is tied to the province’s average annual inflation rate which, from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2021, was calculated at 2.8 per cent, according to the province.
“Having a fair minimum wage is a key step in helping to lift more people out of poverty, make life more affordable and build a strong economy for B.C.,” Harry Bains, the province’s Minister of Labour, said in a press release.
B.C. already has the highest minimum wage of any province in Canada and the increase will keep it that way for the foreseeable future.
According to the Retail Council of Canada, only Nunavut ($16) and Yukon ($15.70) and have a higher minimum wage than British Columbia.
Ontario, which has the second-highest minimum wage of any province at $15 per hour, is slated to increase it to $15.50 in October.
At $11.81 an hour, Saskatchewan has the lowest minimum wage in Canada. However, the province is expected to raise it to $14 an hour later this year.
CHEK News
