Pressure builds to boost Manitoba's minimum wage
With Manitoba set to have the second-lowest minimum wage in the country, there is pressure to give it big boost.
Last week, New Brunswick announced it will be hiking the minimum wage next year by $2 per hour in two stages to $13.75. That would put Manitoba second last in the country at $11.95, ahead of only Saskatchewan at $11.81.
Kevin Rebeck, president of the Manitoba Federation of Labour, said the province's minimum wage is embarrassing.
“I think the idea of making it acceptable to still pay poverty wages needs to come to an end,” said Rebeck.
Anti-poverty advocates have been calling for a $15 per hour living wage for years. They now say the number is around $16.
Josh Brandon from the Social Planning Council said Manitoba’s rate is too low.
“Far too many kids are going hungry living in housing that’s unaffordable or in poor condition or overcrowded,” said Brandon.
Manitoba does small inflationary increases every year to its minimum wage.
A government spokesperson sent CTV News this statement:
“As we continue to address the ongoing economic and public health challenges posed by COVID-19, our government remains committed to making life more affordable for all Manitobans.“
A big hike could be bad for businesses still reeling from pandemic lockdowns.
Kathleen Cook from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business said any increase in costs right now would be very tough for small businesses to handle.
“Only a third are back to their pre-pandemic revenues and over 30 per cent actually say they’re losing money every day that they’re open,” said Cook.
To counter this, the MFL said support for businesses could offset the added costs as long as it is targeted.
“The government giving these blanket dollars out to businesses that don’t need the support because they’re saying we’re treating everyone equally is wrong,” said Rebeck.
The province said less than five per cent of the labour force is based on the minimum wage.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
New analysis of Beethoven's hair reveals possible cause of mysterious ailments, scientists say
High levels of lead detected in authenticated locks of Ludwig van Beethoven's hair suggest that the composer had lead poisoning, which may have contributed to ailments he endured over the course of his life, including deafness, according to new research.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
B.C. man used Bobcat as 'weapon' while chasing away homeless people, judge says
A B.C. man has been convicted of assault with a weapon after using a skid-steer Bobcat to chase two homeless people from his lawn, injuring one of them in the process.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Flat tire on a highway? Here's why you shouldn't try to fix it
If you're cruising down a highway and realize you have a flat tire, you may want to think twice before stopping to fix it on the side of the road.
Miss Teen USA steps down just days after Miss USA's resignation
Miss Teen USA resigned Wednesday, sending further shock waves through the pageant community just days after Miss USA said she would relinquish her crown.