Minimum wage on Prince Edward Island will increase in two phases in 2010 to $9.00. Executive Council has approved the decision to implement the 60 cent increase as follows: from $8.40 to $8.70 effective June 1, 2010, and by an additional 30 cents to $9.00 on October 1, 2010.
“We realize that the minimum wage impacts many workers on Prince Edward Island, particularly young workers and those who rely on seasonal employment,” said Honourable Janice Sherry, Minister of Community Services, Seniors and Labour. “We also recognize that employers need time to incorporate increases into their operational plans and that is why Government has chosen to implement the wage increase in two stages. This will provide the Island business community more time to integrate the salary adjustments into their budgets.”
The Employment Standards Board which is made up of representatives of employers and employees, with a neutral chairperson, meets to review the Minimum Wage rate each year and make recommendations to government.
The Board considers the social and economic effects of the minimum wage rates in the province, cost of living increases, current economic conditions, and the minimum wages in neighbouring provinces. The decision to implement the wage increase in a two-phased approach is supported by the Employment Standards Board.
This scheduled increase will help put Prince Edward Island more in line with other maritime provinces.
Approximately 62,000 Island employees are covered by the Employment Standards Act (not working under a collective agreement).
BACKGROUNDER
Minimum Wage Rates in Other Maritime Provinces
New Brunswick
April 1, 2010 – $8.50
September 1, 2010 – $9.00
April 1, 2011 – $9.50
September 1, 2011 – $10.00
Nova Scotia
April 1, 2010 – $9.20/experienced and $8.70/inexperienced
October 1, 2010 – $9.65/experienced and $9.15/inexperienced