Minimum Wage to Increase

Nova Scotia's minimum wage will increase on Oct. 1, 2003, and again on April 1, 2004. The rate will rise 25 cents each time to a total of $6.50 an hour.

The minimum wage for inexperienced workers is also increasing by two 25-cent increments, to $6.05 an hour. Inexperienced workers are those who have less than three months' experience doing the type of work they are hired to do.

Nova Scotia's minimum wage is reviewed annually. The last increase occurred on Oct. 1, 2002. The wage was increased to $6 an hour at that time.

The increases will help contribute to Nova Scotia's economic prosperity and keep the minimum wage competitive with those of other Atlantic provinces. P.E.I.'s rate went to $6.25 an hour in January. The rates in New Brunswick and Newfoundland rose to $6 an hour in 2002.

About 16,000 Nova Scotians work for minimum wage. The increase will benefit those who need it most by increasing their gross yearly income by about $520.