Possible good news for those who make minimum wage.
The province’s, Minimum Wage Review Committee, recommends a faster way to reach $15/hour.
It includes bumping the pay wage by 90 cents to $14.50 by April 1, then a 50 cents increase to $15.00, by October 1. Starting April 1, 2024, the minimum wage would be adjusted on April 1 of each year by the percentage change in the projected annual national consumer price index (CPI) for the previous calendar year, plus an additional one per cent.
“We thank the committee for its important work as the minimum wage rate impacts Nova Scotians in every region of the province,” said Jill Balser, Minister of Labour, Skills and Immigration. “As we decide on the path forward, it’s important that we take a balanced approach and consider the impacts to employers and employees, particularly as all Nova Scotians and businesses continue to deal with the rising cost of living and inflation.”
Quick Facts:
— under the Labour Standards Code, the Minimum Wage Review Committee is mandated to conduct an annual review of the minimum wage in Nova Scotia
— committee recommendations accepted last year included raising the minimum wage to $14.30 an hour on April 1 this year; to $14.65 on October 1; and to $15 on April 1, 2024
— an average of seven per cent of workers, or about 28,500 Nova Scotians, worked for minimum wage during the period from April 2021 to March 2022; they worked primarily in retail trade, followed by food and accommodation industries
The Minimum Wage Review Committe submitted the to the Minister in December.
The government will reach out to community partners for input before making a decision.
