News Release

FREDERICTON (GNB) – The provincial government is increasing the minimum wage to $11.75 per hour on April 1, from the current rate of $11.70 per hour.

The minimum wage rate is indexed to New Brunswick’s consumer price index, rounded to the nearest five cents. The New Brunswick consumer price index grew by 0.22 per cent in 2020.

“Protecting the purchasing power of employees, who help keep New Brunswick businesses in operation, is one reason for tying minimum wage increases to the consumer price index,” said Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour Minister Trevor Holder. “At the same time, it ensures predictability for businesses. We are mindful of the financial realities faced by both employees and employers, particularly as we endure the COVID-19 pandemic.”

There are currently about 20,000 minimum wage earners in New Brunswick, or about six per cent of the paid workforce.