As detailed in Budget 2012, the province will increase the minimum wage 25 cents to $10.25 an hour on Oct. 1. This announcement was made by Family Services and Labour Minister Jennifer Howard.
“We continue to boost the purchasing power of minimum-wage earners and this move can also benefit business as it helps attract and keep workers,” said Howard. “We have one of the most robust labour markets in the country, revenues continue to rise in many sectors, including restaurant and retail, and increasing the minimum wage has not hurt employment.”
The minimum wage rate last increased 50 cents to $10 per hour on Oct. 1, 2011. That followed an increase of 50 cents on Oct. 1, 2010.
The Labour Management Review Committee (LMRC), composed of representatives from labour and business organizations, recommended three annual increases. However, they differed on the amount. The latest increase places Manitoba just above the average Canadian minimum hourly wage. Seven other jurisdictions have announced increases in their minimum wage for 2012.
“In addition to minimum wage increases, the Manitoba government is making changes that will help keep more income in workers’ pockets,” Howard said. “The amount of income a person can earn before they start paying income tax is being increased by $1,000 over four years, reaching $9,134 in 2014.”
More information on the changes to the minimum wage is available online.
