The only two people to formally enter the BC Liberal leadership race have both promised to raise the minimum wage, and the idea is enjoying a mixed reception in the business community.
At $8 per hour -- and just $6 for new workers -- B.C.'s minimum wage is the lowest in the country.
Moira Stilwell and George Abbott, the only declared candidates to replace Premier Gordon Campbell, have both said they're ready to bring the province in line with the rest of the country.
"Everybody I've talked to says this is the time to do it," Stilwell told CTV News.
She says she wants to raise the minimum wage gradually to $10 an hour, in increments of 50 cents every six months.
Abbott says he plans to bring together MLAs, academics and business and labour leaders to decide on a recommended minimum wage.
"It's time to address that issue," he said.
The B.C. Chamber of Commerce warns that raising the minimum wage could do more harm than good.
"The impact will be felt most by those that it's intended to help. Hours of work are probably going to be the most critical area. If business have to face a 25-per-cent increase in costs, that's likely how they'll respond -- by cutting back on the number of hours they employ people," Chamber of Commerce CEO John Winter said.
But candy shop owner Lisa Caruk says she relies on people having a few extra dollars to spend in her store.
"Candy, food, treats make people happy, and if they have a little extra money then they'll spend more on those little treats that will make them happier," she said.
Caruk says that higher wages also bring better employees.
"I need to find someone that's responsible, and for $8 an hour, I'll really looking at teenagers. I don't really trust someone that's young to run the store when I'm not here."
With a report from CTV British Columbia's Nafeesa Karim
