Rate to rise 50 cents to $10 per hour
Manitoba will increase its minimum wage 50 cents to $10 an hour on Oct. 1, 2011. The minimum wage rate last increased 50 cents to $9.50 per hour on Oct. 1, 2010. That followed an increase of 25 cents on May 1, 2009, and another increase of 25 cents on Oct. 1, 2009.
"By increasing the minimum wage, we are strengthening the purchasing power of minimum wage earners across the province," said Labour and Immigration Minister Jennifer Howard. "Manitoba has one of the strongest labour markets in the country and the second-lowest unemployment rate. At the same time, revenues continue to rise in most industries, including restaurant and retail, where many employees earn a minimum wage."
The increase can be good for businesses as it helps attract and retain workers, a concern for industry and for rural Manitoba in times of tight labour markets, said Howard.
The 50-cent increase per hour places Manitoba just above the average Canadian minimum hourly wage. Nine other jurisdictions have announced increases in their minimum wage for 2011. Manitoba joins seven other provinces and territories that will have minimum wages of $10 or more per hour by May 2012.
