Review Committee Continues to Recommend Minimum Wage Increase

While Nova Scotia's Minimum Wage Review Committee continues to explore options, it has advised the province to keep the committee's recommended scheduled minimum-wage increases.

In 2008, the committee developed a three-year, minimum-wage increase schedule which would put the rate at $9.20 on April 1, 2010 and $9.65 on Oct. 1.

"After carefully considering the current economic climate, the committee is recommending that we should stay the course and continue with the minimum-wage increases as scheduled," said Marilyn More, Minister of Labour and Workforce Development. "We're calling on all Nova Scotians who would like to share their views on this issue to send in their comments."

The previous recommended increases were:

• 6.5 per cent, to $8.10 per hour on May 1, 2008
• 6.2 per cent, to $8.60 per hour on April 1, 2009

This year, the committee considered various indicators such as economic conditions, the current financial crisis, Statistics Canada data, labour trends, the changing value of minimum wage, and other factors before making its recommendation to continue on the original schedule.

The changes will bring the minimum wage within reach of the Low Income Cut-off Level by 2010. The committee will continue to meet annually to monitor economic indicators and examine other issues.

English and French versions of the report are available at gov.ns.ca/lwd/employmentrights/ . The public is encouraged to comment on the report by Jan. 22 online, by faxing a letter to 902-424-0648, e-mailing to [email protected], phone 1-888-315-0110 or write to Labour Standards, 5151 Terminal Road, 7th Floor, P.O. Box 697, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 2T8.