70-cent increase will ensure base rate is highest in Maritimes
Prince Edward Island’s minimum wage will remain the highest in Atlantic Canada when it increases by 70 cents to $12.25 per hour on April 1, 2019.
“Our government is focused on helping Island families and supporting low-income workers by raising the minimum wage,” said Workforce and Advanced Learning Minister Sonny Gallant in a press release.
“This increase provides support to those most in need, puts more money into the pockets of Islanders and stimulates our provincial economy.”
The increase will help Islanders, said Carl Pursey, president of the P.E.I. Federation of Labour. “Government is heading in the right direction, and we are very pleased to see this increase happen.”
The Employment Standards Board — which reviews the minimum wage rate each year — recommended the minimum wage increase based on economic factors in the province and on input received from the public, according to the government.
