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Ontario commits to $10.25 minimum wage, BC’s remains frozen at $8
March 30, 2009
The B.C. Federation of Labour is applauding the decision of Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty who has reaffirmed his government's commitment to raise the Ontario minimum wage to $10.25 an hour.
McGuinty recommitted his government to the raise following statements to a business group where he said the government was reconsidering the decision.
"Ontario has committed to three annual minimum wage increases that will take the wage to $9.50 tomorrow, and $10.25 next March," said Federation President, Jim Sinclair. "Unlike BC Liberals who have frozen the minimum wage for the past 8 eight years while voting themselves massive salary hikes, Ontario Liberals understand the job of government is to look after everyone, including the working poor. Raising the minimum wage puts money in the hands of people who spend it in their local community."
Sinclair called on British Columbians to phone and write their MLA's demanding the minimum wage be increased to $10 immediately.
BC's minimum wage will be the lowest in the country on June 1st when Prince Edward Island raises their minimum wage to $8.20, with another increase scheduled for October.
"Gordon Campbell started his term in office with the highest minimum wage in Canada, an appropriate level for the most expensive place to live," said Sinclair. "Today, we are still the most expensive place to live and we have the lowest minimum wage in the country --- that's simply shameful."
The Federation has received the support of more than 35 City Councils across the province and is taking its appeal to Victoria and Vancouver City Councils in the coming weeks. It has already been endorsed by the Union of BC Municipalities.
For more information: Evan Stewart, Director of Communication (604) 430-1421.
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