There has been another increase to minimum wage in Nova Scotia.
The province says it has been bumped to $17/hour on Thursday, up from $16.75 in April. This makes it the second wage adjustment this year.
“Raising the minimum wage means more money in the pockets of Nova Scotians who need it most,” said Nolan Young, Minister of Labour, Skills and Immigration. “This increase supports workers and recognizes the valuable work they do every day. We’re also helping employers manage costs by lowering taxes and investing in programs that help businesses attract and keep skilled workers.”
The move follows a recommendation from the Minimum Wage Review Committee to increase the wage by the consumer price index plus one per cent.
The phased approach is designed to help workers, while giving employers time to adapt.
Meanwhile, the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) encourages the province to go back to a once-a-year bump.
“Raising wages twice a year is not how businesses operate across the province,” says CFIB in a news release.
The federation says the Employment Standards Act should be changed to link minimum wage increases to increases in the private sector wages.
