Citizens' Services
Premier Christy Clark today announced British Columbia’s minimum wage will increase in three stages to $10.25 by May 1, 2012 and the training wage will be eliminated, providing more support for B.C. workers and families in every region of the province.
“Raising the minimum wage and eliminating the training wage is a fair and reasonable step forward in putting families first and building our economy. This increase could mean more than $4,000 additional dollars annually for a full-time employee, providing more support to B.C. workers and the families who depend on them,” said Premier Clark.
“Businesses told us they needed time to adjust to increases in the minimum wage and we’re pleased we’ve been able to provide that certainty to them through three predictable stages.” The general minimum wage will increase on May 1, 2011 to $8.75 and be $10.25 per hour by May 2012.
As of May 1, 2011 the training wage is also repealed and all hourly-paid employees will be entitled to the general minimum wage regardless of how long they have been in the paid labour force.
A special minimum wage for liquor servers will also be phased in, beginning May 1, 2011. It will be modelled on what now exists in Ontario for employees who serve liquor directly to customers or guests in licensed premises as a regular part of their work.
“We consulted with stakeholders and economic experts on their views about increasing the minimum wage. As a result of those discussions, it was determined that job impacts are minimized when minimum wage increases are done incrementally over time,” said Stephanie Cadieux, Minister of Labour, Citizens’ Services and Open Government.
“Our approach to liquor servers will be in line with what already exists in Ontario. In that province, the alcohol server rate has allowed the general minimum wage to increase while maintaining and supporting jobs in the food and beverage service sector.”
