NB 1465
Nov. 13, 2007
FREDERICTON (CNB) - The largest one-time increase ever of 50 cents to New Brunswick's minimum wage rate is planned for the end of March 2008. It will bring the new level to $7.75 per hour, and is the third rate change since last October, representing almost a 16 per cent increase to the wage level in a year and a half.
Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour Minister Ed Doherty made the announcement today, as he pledged to continue to ask for a rate review at least once a year by the independent Minimum Wage Board, in keeping with the commitment outlined under the Charter for Change.
"Our government has approved many significant adjustments to the minimum wage in a short period of time, and we will continue to adjust it moving forward in order to bring our rate in line with the national average, as recommended by the Self-Sufficiency Task Force," Doherty said. "We realize that we must consider the rights of employers, but we also must ensure that employees have a fair and competitive wage, so we are better able to retain and attract workers in our province as we move towards self-sufficiency by 2026."
The minister added that the government was making the announcement well in advance to give employers several months notice to adjust to the wage hike. After considering the recommendations provided by the board, the government approved an increase to the provincial minimum wage rate to $7.75 per hour effective March 31, 2008. This is up from the current rate of $7.25 per hour. Once the new minimum wage rate takes effect, it will have increased nearly 16 percent from when it was $6.70 per hour in October 2006.
"This increase will help provide wage increases to those most in need and will benefit thousands of New Brunswickers," the minister said. "I was pleased that the board recognized adjustments were necessary as our minimum wage level was falling behind other jurisdictions. In order for our province to move forward, we must continue to plan our minimum wage level hikes in a responsible fashion, balancing the needs of workers and respecting the rights of employers."
For more information on the minimum wage, paid public holidays, and the Employment Standards Act, contact the Employment Standards Branch of the Department of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour at 1-888-452-2687, or visit the Employment Standards Branch website.
07/11/13
MEDIA CONTACT: Shawn Hearn, director, marketing and public information, Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour, 506-453-2568.
07/11/13