March 22, 1999
(Environment and Labour)

Government increases minimum wage

Oliver Langdon, Minister of Environment and Labour, announced today that the province's minimum wage will be increased.

Effective October 1, 1999, the minimum wage in the province will be increased to $5.50 per hour; an increase of $0.25 per hour over the current wage rate of $5.25 per hour.

"This year the province will lead the country in economic growth and we want to share this success with low wage earners," said Minister Langdon. "I believe that a modest increase in the minimum wage is affordable without placing undue financial hardship on small businesses while easing the burden on low wage earners."

Minister Langdon stated: "Government is committed to providing an adequate minimum wage for low income earners."

The October 1, 1999 implementation date provides adequate time for small business owners to prepare for the new wage rate.

Media contact: Sean Kelly, Communications, (709) 729-2575.

1999 03 22