FREDERICTON (GNB) – The provincial government will increase the minimum wage to $10.30 per hour by the end of 2014 as part of its plan to help New Brunswick families.
“Our government is moving quickly to raise New Brunswick’s minimum wage from $10 to $10.30 per hour,” said Premier Brian Gallant. “This increase will help make life more affordable for the nearly 28,000 New Brunswickers earning minimum wage today and will provide an overall boost to the economy by putting more money in the pockets of low-wage earners.”
The 30-cent increase honours the commitment made under the province’s first poverty reduction plan and marks the first increase to the minimum wage in New Brunswick since April 2012. As it stands today, New Brunswick is tied with the Northwest Territories for the lowest minimum wage rate across Canada.
“Raising the minimum wage gradually will be good for our economy,” said Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour Minister Francine Landry. “Higher minimum wages lead to lower employee turnover, better employee performance, helping businesses thrive and prosper.”
The provincial government plans to further increase the minimum wage to $11 per hour by 2017 and thereafter by the rate of inflation.
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