The province is increasing the minimum wage on October 1 to $10.70 an hour, Labour and Immigration Minister Erna Braun announced.
“We have increased the minimum wage every year since 2000. This most recent increase builds on our long-term plan to provide the lowest wage earners increased purchasing power so they can better provide for themselves and their families,” said Minister Braun. “It also contributes to a vibrant labour market that will help Manitoba businesses attract and retain workers.”
The increase of 25 cents per hour brings the current minimum wage to $10.70 from $10.45 and will put Manitoba the fourth highest among other Canadian jurisdictions.
To keep the province competitive for businesses, the Manitoba government has eliminated the small business tax. In 1999, Manitoba had the highest small business tax rate in Canada, said Minister Braun, adding that the province is the only one in the country to have completely eliminated its small business tax, removing 12,000 businesses from the tax rolls and saving each small business owner $55,000 every year.
