The Higgs government announced Thursday it will be increasing the minimum wage by $2 per hour next year to $13.75.
Currently, the minimum wage in New Brunswick is set at $11.75, which is the lowest in the country.
The increase will be in two parts. The first $1 increase will happen on April 1 and the second will happen on October 1.
“This will represent a 17 per cent increase in the minimum wage, the most significant increase in 40 years,” said Labour Minister Trevor Holder.
The jump comes as the province saw substantial growth and economic progress over the last nine months.
“We’re seeing the fastest growth in the nation in exports, double-digit increases in manufacturing sales, record breaking real estate sales, and apartment and condominium construction is at its highest since 1972,” said Holder.
“Our population saw its highest gains from inter-provincial migration in 45 years adding more than 4,000 people from other provinces, beyond that more than 2,000 international newcomers have also joined us,” continued Holder.
With the increase coming in 2022, Holder mentioned it will push the province first in Atlantic Canada, as well as give New Brunswick “a slight edge over Prince Edward Island by five cents.”
The first adjustment on April 1 was chosen to give businesses time to prepare and to adjust with the increase.
“In a province where we have some of the highest poverty levels in Canada, we have a moral imperative to do better, and this will surely help, this at the end of the day is the right thing to do,” added Holder.
HAPPENING NOW: An announcement regarding New Brunswick's minimum wage with Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour Minister Trevor Holder
— Tim Herd (@timherdradio) December 2, 2021
