Raise in Minimum Wage to Boost Spending Power in the Province

On May 1, the minimum wage was increased from $7.75 to $8 an hour, bringing Quebec’s 137 000 minimum-wage earners up to the same income level as workers in Ontario, Manitoba and British Columbia.

Christine St. Pierre and Jacques P. Dupuis, MNAS for L’Acadie and St. Laurent, described this augmentation as very positive. ‘‘This increase will improve the lives of Quebec’s low income workers by raising their spending power’’, stated Dupuis. ‘‘Increasing the minimum wage is a measure included in the Plan to fight poverty and social exclusion’’, added St. Pierre.

Employees who earn tips will see their wages go up to $7.25 an hour. Seasonal workers involved in harvesting fruit, whose pay is calculated by the volume of what they pick, will also see their income increase.

The wage increase will especially benefit workers in the service sector, notably in retail, hotels and restaurants. ‘‘This fourth consecutive increase is the most significant one over the last ten years’’, indicated Mr. Dupuis.

Source: Aile parlementaire libérale