In April 2010, Executive Council approved a recommendation from the Employment Standards Board to implement a 60 cent increase in the minimum wage using a two-stage approach. On October 1, 2010, the second stage of the increase will become effective, bringing the minimum wage from $8.70 to $9.00 per hour, says Community Services, Seniors and Labour Minister, Janice Sherry.
“This second stage of the increase will help to further support more hard working Island families across the province,” said Minister Sherry. “The two-staged approach allowed us to implement the increase gradually which provided 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).