Atlantic Canada has a reputation for being friendly so perhaps it should come as no surprise that two of its provinces are increasing their respective minimum wages on April 1, 2023 - recognizing the soaring inflation rates across the nation.
Nova Scotia’s minimum wage will increase to $14.50 on April 1, 2023. It will subsequently increase to $15.00 on October 1, 2023.
New Brunswick will increase its minimum wage to $14.75 on April 1, 2023.
For Nova Scotia, the second increase to $15.00/hour to occur this October marks a 6-month acceleration to its previously set schedule. The province’s Ministry of Labour, Skills and Immigration consulted its Minimum Wage Review Committee in reaching this decision, and specifically noted that the increase in costs of living due to soaring inflation spurred the adjustment.
For New Brunswick, the minimum wage increases to $14.75 this April represents the highest minimum wage rate in Atlantic Canada.
On the other side of the country, British Columbia has introduced a bill to make the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation a statutory holiday. If the bill is passed, September 30th will be a statutory holiday in B.C. providing its workers a paid day off and enable them to observe the holiday and contemplate the history and effects of the residential school system. If passed, B.C. will join Canada (the Federal jurisdiction), P.E.I., the Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and the Yukon as jurisdictions that designate September 30th as a statutory holiday. Please note that the bill has not officially been passed yet at this point, and until then, September 30th is not a yet designated as a holiday.
If you would like to discuss any of the above noted changes in greater detail, we recommend reaching out to speak to an e2r™ Advisor.