As of October 1, 2024, Saskatchewan’s minimum wage rose to $15 per hour, the final step in a planned increase over the past several years. While the wage hike is being seen as a positive move for workers, the ripple effects are being felt across West Central Saskatchewan, particularly in industries that were already struggling to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Kevin Martin, a representative of the Kindersley and District Chamber of Commerce, weighed in on the increase, acknowledging the complex situation many local businesses find themselves in. “I’m sure there are some who are not very happy, but for the most part, it’s been very low-key. Even still, it’s tough for people. I understand that it’s tough for employers too,” said Martin.
Martin points out that the hospitality and restaurant industries, in particular, were hit hard during the pandemic and have yet to fully recover. “A lot of employers, especially in hospitality and restaurants, really suffered with business during COVID, and some of them are still recovering. It makes it tougher for them to have to pay out more, but if they want staff, they’ve got to pay. It’s a real catch-22 for some people. It’s tough,” he explained.
For many workers in the region, the minimum wage increase provides some relief but also highlights broader economic pressures. “People have to take on extra jobs, and that means extra time away from their families and from doing other activities. It does take its toll in ways you may not think about,” said Martin. “Minimum wage is supposed to be a starting place, not a place to stay for life.”
Despite these concerns, the increase brings Saskatchewan in line with many other provinces in Canada, where rising costs of living have prompted similar wage adjustments. For employees, the higher wage is a necessary step to keep up with inflation and the growing expenses of housing, groceries, and other essentials. However, employers in West Central Saskatchewan now face the challenge of balancing increased labour costs with the need to remain competitive in a still-recovering economy.
The province’s minimum wage increases were initiated to address disparities and to provide workers with a more sustainable income. Yet, as Martin mentioned, the dynamic between wages and worker retention is complex. “If employees are leaving for more money, maybe that’s a hint that employers should be looking at that as well. People have to live, too,” he said.
In rural areas like Kindersley, Rosetown, and Elrose, the economic landscape is shaped by a diverse set of industries, from agriculture to small retail businesses. For many small business owners, the increase in labour costs is forcing tough decisions about pricing, staffing levels, and long-term sustainability. However, with competition for skilled workers growing, offering competitive wages may be the only way to retain employees.
While some employers in the region may have mixed feelings about the wage increase, the general consensus is that it is a necessary adjustment. However, as Martin noted, this increase raises questions about where wages will go from here and how employers can strike a balance between fair compensation for workers and maintaining a viable business.
As Saskatchewan workers begin to see the benefits of the minimum wage increase, the long-term effects on local businesses and their ability to thrive in an evolving economy remain to be seen. For now, West Central Saskatchewan is navigating this new chapter, with the hopes that both workers and employers can find a balance that ensures sustainable growth for the region.