The minimum wage in B.C. will be seeing another jump, this time to $18.25 starting on Monday.
This is a 40-cent increase from $17.85, which follows the province’s Employment Standards Act to increase the minimum wages each year in line with provincial inflation.
Prince George Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Neil Godbout said businesses want to pay to their employees, but the increase is also seen as another government imposed regulatory cost.
“The whole point of minimum wage was that the individuals that are usually paid minimum wage are young workers getting their first job experience, but if you’re a small business with five to 10 employees and you have to pay some or all at minimum wage, this comes at a cost.”
Godbout added those businesses either absorb those costs and reduce hours, or could be passed onto the consumer.
He said increases like these also serve as a deterrent for businesses wanting to hire young people.
While businesses are used to increases in minimum wages, Godbout said it’s still a concern, noting rising costs for households mirrors what small businesses are facing.
B.C. currently has the third-highest minimum wage in Canada, behind Nunavut at $19.75 and Yukon at $18.51.
Our previous minimum wage increase story can be found here.
– With files from Emily Joveski, Vista Radio provincial reporter
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