British Columbia Federation of Labour

New Brunswick (NB) today announced a series of increases to their provincial minimum wage that will lead to a 21 percent increase by September of next year.

"In their announcement today, the government of New Brunswick makes a direct connection between combating poverty and increasing the minimum wage," says Jim Sinclair, President of the B.C. Federation of Labour. "BC has the highest rates of poverty in the country, but the Campbell government ignores the problem and steadfastly refuses to increase the salaries of our lowest-paid workers."

"Provincial governments all across the country understand that increases to the minimum wage help lift families out of poverty. They've also rejected the BC Liberals' argument that a minimum wage increase hurts jobs," Sinclair added. "No job losses have been linked to regular minimum wage increases in other Canadian jurisdictions."

The NB minimum wage is currently $8.25 an hour. It will increase by 25 cents on April 1 and by 50 cents on September 1. Two 50 cent increases will come into effect next year bringing New Brunswick's minimum wage to $10 an hour on September 1, 2011.

The minimum wage in BC has been frozen at $8 an hour since 2001. The Campbell government has stated they have no plans to increase it.

"In the eight years under Gordon Campbell, British Columbia has gone from having the highest minimum wage in the country to the lowest," says Sinclair. "This government's lack of respect for minimum wage workers has become an embarrassment that the government continues to ignore."

The Federation is renewing its call on the Campbell government to increase the minimum wage to $10 an hour with annual increases linked to increases in the cost of living.

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For more information: Evan Stewart, Director of Communications (604) 430-1421.