FRANCAIS

October 28, 2004

Labour and Immigration Minister Nancy Allan announced today that Manitoba is seeking public and stakeholder input on the minimum wage.

"We have a public commitment to regular reviews of the minimum wage schedule and it is time again to seek stakeholder and public advice on this issue," Allan said. "Manitoba must maintain a minimum wage structure that is equitable to both Manitobans earning lower wages and to business."

Stakeholders and the general public are invited to provide their input by Dec. 1.

The most recent increases in Manitoba’s minimum wage were 25 cents an hour each in April 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004, bringing the rate to the present $7 an hour.

Manitoba’s position continues to be in the middle of rates among Canadian jurisdictions. Rates in other jurisdictions as of Sept. 1 are: Nunavut, $8.50; Northwest Territories, $8.25; British Columbia, $8; Quebec, $7.45; Yukon, $7.20; Ontario, $7.15; Saskatchewan, $6.65; Prince Edward Island, $6.50; Nova Scotia, $6.50; New Brunswick, $6.20; Newfoundland and Labrador, $6; and Alberta, $5.90.

"Our government’s approach has been to balance smaller increments that employers can manage while increasing the purchasing power of our lower income earners," Allan said. "Through this consultation process, Manitobans will have an opportunity to provide input on this important issue."

The minister will convene a new Minimum Wage Board to discuss Manitoba’s minimum wage strategy for 2006 and beyond.

Anyone wishing to provide written comments or submissions on the minimum wage may send their material to the Minimum Wage Co-ordinator, Manitoba Labour and Immigration, 614-401 York Ave, phone 204-945-4889, fax 204-948-2085 or e-mail mw@gov.mb.ca.

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