Prince Edward Island’s minimum wage will increase by 30 cents in April to $11.55 per hour.
The province’s employment standards board – which reviews the minimum wage rate each year – recommended the increase based on economic factors in the province and on input received from the public.
The board gathered input from 15 organizations and 12 individuals during consultations this past summer.
“Given Prince Edward Island’s economic growth, it is very important that all Islanders benefit from improved economic conditions,” said Workforce and Advanced Learning Minister Sonny Gallant.
“Being a small province helps us work well together and be nimble enough to focus on what matters most. As the GDP expands, increasing the minimum wage means more money goes back into the economy and into the pockets of Islanders.”
The increase will keep P.E.I. at the highest minimum wage rate in Atlantic Canada.
Newfoundland and New Brunswick both offer $11 per hour for minimum wage while Nova Scotia pays $10.85 per hour for experienced workers and to $10.35 per hour for inexperienced workers.
P.E.I.’s increase was announced this week by the province, giving businesses and employers a full six months notice to prepare.
“CFIB is very pleased to see government giving almost five months’ notice in advance of the April 2018 increase,” said Erin McGrath-Gaudet, director of PEI and Intergovernmental Policy at the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB). “For small businesses, having sufficient notice of a minimum wage increase can go a long way, because it allows time for increases to be worked into their business plans well in advance.”
More information on the minimum wage and other employment standards is available at www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/topic/employment-standards-0.
