Minimum wage is getting a raise.
Minister of Education, Culture and Employment Alfred Moses made the announcement today.
Minimum Wage will increase from $12.50 per hour to $13.46 as of April 1st.
This is the first minimum wage increase in the Northwest Territories since 2015.
Minister Moses says the increase will benefit both parties – giving the workers a better wage, while also attracting more workers to local businesses.
“I am confident that this increase will be both good for workers, who will earn a better wage, and good for business, which will be able to better attract workers for minimum wage positions. The GNWT is committed to maintaining fair and competitive wage rates while encouraging economic activity and supporting NWT small businesses.”
- YELLOWKNIFE LIVING WAGE SEES SHARP INCREASE SINCE 2015
- ARCTIC STRATEGY AIMS TO REDUCE CLIMATE CHANGE, COST OF LIVING
The move hasn’t been entirely well received with some voicing their opinions that increase still isn’t enough.
MLA Julie Green took to Twitter saying the new $13.46 minimum wage still means an adult would have to work 60 hours a week to earn the NWT’s appropriate living wage.
#NWT #MinimumWage increasing from $12.50 to $13.46 effective April 1. Even at the higher rate, adults will have to work at least 60 hours a week to earn a living wage – ie a way that allows them to meet basic expenses. #Disappointing
— Julie Green (@juliegreenMLA) January 10, 2018
@juliegreenMLA: “#NWT #MinimumWage increasing from $12.50 to $13.46 effective April 1. Even at the higher rate, adults will have to work at least 60 hours a week to earn a living wage – ie a way that allows them to meet basic expenses. #Disappointing”
The minimum wage is reviewed every two years to ensure NWT worker’s can make a sufficient living.
