As announced on May 4, 2016, the British Columbia government is increasing the minimum wage in two stages beginning Thursday, Sept. 15, to better reflect the province’s overall economic growth and ensure all workers benefit from B.C.’s thriving job market.

The first increase – effective Sept. 15 of this year – will be 40 cents and will bring the general minimum wage up to $10.85 per hour and the liquor server minimum wage to $9.60. These new rates include the 10 cents scheduled for the 2015 Consumer Price Index (CPI), plus an additional 30 cents.

The second increase – effective Sept. 15, 2017 – will be 30 cents plus an amount based on the 2016 CPI (currently estimated to be 10 cents) and will bring the general minimum wage rate to at least $11.25 and the liquor server minimum wage to $10. The 2016 CPI will be available from Statistics Canada by March 2017.

The daily rate for live-in home support workers and live-in camp leaders, as well as the monthly rates for resident caretakers and farm worker piece rates (for harvesters of certain fruits and vegetables) will also increase proportionate to the general minimum hourly wage increases on the same dates.

A number of factsheets for workers and employers have been updated to reflect the minimum wage increases, and are available on the Employment Standards Branch website, including: 

• A Minimum Wage Factsheet available in six languages
• Minimum Wage – Liquor Server
• Commission Sales
• Farm Labour Contractors (in 10 languages )
• Farm Workers (in 10 languages)
• Live-in Support Workers (in English and Filipino)
• Guidelines for Motel and Campground Managers and Caretakers
• Quick Reference Guide for Employers
• Resident Caretakers
• Restaurant Employees
• Talent Agencies
• Domestics Brochure
• Guide to Employment Standards
• Working in B.C. poster

The “Top 10 Things Employers Should Know” video, and the Interpretation Guidelines Manual will also be updated Sept. 15, 2016.

Learn more:

For more information/resources for workers and employers in B.C., visit the Employment Standards Branch website: http://www.gov.bc.ca/EmploymentStandards/

To view the May 4, 2016, minimum wage news release, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2016PREM0048-000715

To view the BC Jobs Plan, visit: http://engage.gov.bc.ca/bcjobsplan/

To view B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint, visit: https://www.workbc.ca/Training-Education/B-C-s-Skills-for-Jobs-Blueprint.aspx

For more information on finding jobs, exploring career options and improving skills, visit WorkBC’s website at: https://www.workbc.ca/