Public Input Wanted on Nova Scotia Minimum Wage

ENVIRONMENT/LABOUR--Public Input Wanted on Nova Scotia Minimum Wage

The Nova Scotia government wants public input on the province's minimum wage and has set up a Web site to make it easier for people to have their say.

The province's minimum wage, which is now $5.80 an hour, is reviewed every year. The wage was increased in October 2001, but is still among the lowest in Canada.

The new online form is accessible through www.gov.ns.ca/enla/labstand . It asks for responses on several minimum wage issues and provides space for other comments.

"This is the first time we've used our Web site to gather information on this issue," said David Morse, Minister of Environment and Labour. "It's quick and easy, so I hope those interested will invest the few minutes it takes to respond to our questions. While we have to remember the province's financial realities, we must do our best to make sure that wages for our young and inexperienced workers are reasonable and in line with those in other parts of the country."

Responses must be in by March 1. People who would like to give input but who do not have access to a computer can request the survey form from the Labour Standards Division by calling 902- 424-4311. They can mail it to: Department of Environment and Labour, Labour Standards Division, P.O. Box 697, Halifax, B3J 2T8.