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Saskatchewan’s minimum wage will rise to $15 an hour on Oct. 1 of this yr, which is still the lowest in Canada and $2.30 lower than the federal minimum.
When the rise takes impact, Saskatchewan and Alberta can be tied for final among Canadian provinces.
In a press launch from the province, Minister of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety Don McMorris put a constructive spin on the rise, saying it’s “one way we’re supporting workers in this province.”
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“Saskatchewan also continues to have among the lowest personal taxes in Canada, which makes it a great place to live, work and raise a family,” he added.
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In an emailed response, Opposition critic for financial system and jobs Aleana Young made a pitch for the upcoming election — set to happen on or earlier than Oct. 28 — by stating that her occasion and its chief Carla Beck “are focused on bigger paycheques — we won’t leave working people behind.”
“Saskatchewan people are the most stressed about money, topping Canada-wide polling time and time again as the most worried about their finances,” stated Young.
Although $15 per hour still leaves Saskatchewan in the back of the pack, it’s a major enhance from 2021’s minimum wage of $11.81. The province raised it to $13 in 2022 after which to $14 in 2023 as a part of a gradual plan to up the bottom wage of staff in Saskatchewan.
In 2023, the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives stated the dwelling wage — minimum revenue required to meet fundamental wants — for staff in Regina was $17.90 per hour whereas Saskatoon was barely larger at $18.95 per hour.
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Craig Pickthorne, the Ontario-based director of communications for Living Wage Canada, stated new figures can be launched within the fall. But going off the most effective accessible info, Pickthorne stated this enhance is still not sufficient.
“So while those working at minimum wage are getting a seven-per-cent raise, we can see it is still $3.95 short an hour from being able to cover all your bills,” he stated. “Nobody could make ends meet in Regina or Saskatoon working minimum wage full-time, even after this year’s increase.”
Meanwhile, the Saskatchewan Federation of Labour (SFL) reacted to the province’s announcement by calling it “self-applauding.”
“On October 1, the Saskatchewan minimum wage will remain the lowest in Canada,” stated the SFL, including that since 2018 “the average wage (adjusted for inflation) has decreased by nearly six per cent (in Saskatchewan). Over that same time, real wages have increased by 18 per cent in Manitoba.”
Saskatoon’s Chamber of Commerce stated whereas it hopes the rise helps minimum wage earners, it does anticipate repercussions.
“It’s a different story for many business owners grappling with increasing costs to operate across the board. For them, margins are already slim,” stated Margot Orr, director of coverage and authorities relations.
“We anticipate that this increase will be passed along by businesses to consumers.”
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