March 02, 2005

New business and labour representatives appointed by the province will review the minimum wage schedule and develop a strategy for directing Manitoba’s minimum wage levels in 2006 and beyond, Labour and Immigration Minister Nancy Allan announced today.

"This government made a commitment to regular reviews of the minimum wage," said Allan. "The board will provide a comprehensive insight into how we should proceed in the future structuring of Manitoba’s minimum wage."

The new chair of the Minimum Wage Board is Susan Rogers, president of Rogers Leadership Consulting. The employee representatives will be Joy Santos from the Union of Needle Trades, Industrial and Textile Employees and John Doyle of the Manitoba Federation of Labour. The employer representatives on the board will be Larry McLennan, Manitoba Restaurant Association executive director and Bob Sparrow, Norwood Hotel president.

Allan noted that Manitoba’s current minimum wage will rise by 25 cents to $7.25 an hour on April 1. Manitoba’s position continues to be in the middle of rates among Canadian jurisdictions.

The most recent statistics show that there are approximately 34,000 minimum wage and near minimum wage earners in Manitoba.

The Minimum Wage Board is expected to deliver its recommendations to the minister by Sept. 1.

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