Minimum Wage Increases in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Ontario, and P.E.I. Today
Nunavut Leads with Highest Minimum Wage in Canada at $19
As of today, minimum wage earners across four provinces will see a pay increase, providing some relief in the face of rising inflation.
In Ontario, the minimum wage rises by 65 cents to $17.20 an hour, an increase tied to the inflation rate. This boost is aimed at helping workers keep up with the cost of living, which has been steadily climbing.
Saskatchewan will see its minimum wage rise by $1 to $15 per hour. Despite the increase, it will still be the lowest in Canada, tied with Alberta. However, this hike is expected to help low-income workers in the province manage everyday expenses.
Manitoba’s minimum wage also gets a bump, increasing by 50 cents to $15.80 per hour. This change follows a provincially legislated formula based on the previous year’s inflation rate. The Manitoba NDP’s promise to raise the minimum wage further to $15.80 in October follows criticism that previous policies didn’t adequately address the wage gap for workers.
Prince Edward Island (P.E.I.) will see its minimum wage increase by 60 cents to $16 per hour, which follows a 40-cent hike earlier in the year, further boosting the income of minimum wage workers in the province.
The federal minimum wage, which impacts roughly 30,000 workers in federally regulated private sectors, is now set at $17.30 an hour.
Across Canada, British Columbia holds the highest provincial minimum wage at $17.40 per hour, while Nunavut leads the nation with the highest minimum wage at $19 per hour.
These increases come at a time when cost-of-living pressures continue to challenge workers across the country, and minimum wage hikes are a key measure aimed at alleviating some of those financial burdens.
This wage adjustment will positively impact thousands of workers, although many advocacy groups argue that these changes still fall short of what is considered a living wage in many regions.
Source: Swifteradio.com
