This past year's announcement of an increase in the minimum wage in Manitoba stated that it would take place in increments, and the next increase is expected in spring.
Our province's hourly minimum wage increased this fall from $11.95 to $13.50. A further increase of 65 cents per hour will happen on April 1st, raising the minimum wage to $14.15. With the expected consumer price index increase for 2022, the next indexed adjustment will bring Manitoba's minimum wage to around $15 per hour in October of 2023.
"This wage increase will provide much-needed support to hard-working Manitobans who have been burdened by soaring cost-of-living increases," said Labour, Consumer Protection and Government Services Minister Reg Helwer, making the fall announcement in October. "Manitobans have worked tirelessly throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, and we are committed to relieving some of the financial strain."
Manitoba Premier Heather Stefanson says raising the minimum wage delivers on her government's commitment to make life more affordable for all Manitobans.
"This phased-in approach will ensure small businesses remain strong and continue to grow while helping workers and their families get ahead by earning bigger paycheques," she says. "Our balanced approach to increasing the minimum wage will help workers make ends meet while also recognizing the concerns of small businesses who are struggling during this difficult time."
This last spring, in recognition of exceptionally high inflation, the Manitoba government passed amendments to the Employment Standards Code to increase the minimum wage above the rate of inflation.
In July, results from a poll indicated that Canadians are making increasingly tough budget decisions amid rising interest rates and inflation. The MNP Ltd. survey, conducted by Ipsos in early June, suggested that over a quarter of Canadians are cutting back on essentials like food, housing and utilities.
Earlier in December, The Bank of Canada raised its key interest rate by half a percentage point or 50 basis points, putting the new rate at 4.25 per cent.
-With files from Shannon Dueck, Glenda-Lee Vossler, and The Canadian Press.