Here's how much the minimum wage is set to increase in B.C.
The B.C. government is hiking the minimum wage to $16.75 an hour starting June 1, as a measure to help the province's lowest-paid workers with rising inflation.
Labour Minister Harry Bains announced Wednesday that it is rising from $15.65 an hour, which represents a 6.9-per-cent increase.
For someone working 40 hours a week, all year, that's a jump of about $2,200 annually.
"These workers and their families feel the impacts of high costs much more than anyone else," Bains said in a news release explaining the changes.
Yet business groups point out many small businesses are also feeling the impact of the pandemic, inflation, and rising taxes.
Annie Dormuth, director of provincial affairs (B.C.) for the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, is urging the province to consider wage subsidies, raising the employer health tax exemption or rebating some of WorkSafeBC's surplus to employers. She also questioned why the province wasn't announcing supports at the same time they increased minimum wage.
"When the Manitoba government announced its increase to inflation they announced it with some sort of wage subsidy for businesses if they're really struggling to absorb that extra cost increase," explained Dormuth.
Asked about the timeline for possible supports, B.C. Minister of Jobs Brenda Bailey said she would be meeting with stakeholders and an announcement may be coming soon.
The province estimates the change will help 150,000 workers. Statistics Canada numbers from 2021 show 42 per cent of B.C.'s minimum wage workers are employed by corporations with 500 employees or more.
That's an issue for Sam Jones, who owns 2% Jazz, a coffee shop where the news conference took place. He says smaller businesses like his, who pay employees a fair wage, are at a disadvantage when competing with large companies, and believes a distinction should be made.
"One solution is to look at where they're coming from. Are they British Columbian companies or are they American companies that are paying the least amount they are legally allowed to?" Jones said.
Even with the minimum wage set to increase, advocates for a living wage – that is, paying people an amount required to live in their city – point out the minimum wage is $7 below what a living wage in B.C. should be.
Federally regulated workers saw their minimum wage rise to $16.65 on April 1.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.