FRANCAIS

December 04, 2003

Labour and Immigration Minister Nancy Allan today announced Manitoba’s minimum wage will increase by 25 cents to $7.00 per hour, effective April 1, 2004.

"Our approach has been to adjust the rate gradually and in smaller increments," said Allan. "This implementation method is more fair and manageable for an employer while still allowing us to increase the purchasing power of low income earners."

The last increases, based on the 2001 Minimum Wage Board report, were in April of 2002 and 2003.

The increase will retain Manitoba’s ranking in the middle of rates among Canadian jurisdictions. As of April 1, 2004, general minimum wage rates in Canada will be: Nunavut ($8.50), Northwest Territories ($8.25), British Columbia ($8.00), Quebec ($7.30), Yukon ($7.20), Ontario ($7.15), Manitoba ($7.00), Saskatchewan ($6.65), Prince Edward Island ($6.50), Nova Scotia ($6.50), New Brunswick ($6.00), Newfoundland and Labrador ($6.00) and Alberta ($5.90).

The minister will also convene a new Minimum Wage Board in 2004. The board will consist of a chair and an equal number of employee and employer representatives. Provincial legislation permits a minimum wage review at the discretion of the minister and revision of the rates through regulations.

"Manitoba’s economy is growing and this raise in the minimum wage to $7.00 per hour on April 1, 2004, will help ensure the benefits of that growth are shared more fairly," said Allan.

The board will hold consultations with Manitobans and is expected to submit its recommendations to the minister in September 2004.

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