On April 5, 2023, Labour Minister Harry Bains announced that the minimum wage will be increasing in B.C. from $15.65 to $16.75 on June 1, 2023.
The new minimum wage will increase by 6.9%, which is based on B.C.’s average annual inflation rate in 2022.
The 6.9% increase will also apply to wages for residential workers, live-in home support workers and camp leaders. In addition, piece rates for farm workers who hand-harvest 15 specific crops will also increase by 6.9%, effective January 1, 2024.
Once the minimum wage increase takes effect on June 1, 2023, B.C. will have the second highest minimum wage in Canada, trailing only Yukon, which has a minimum wage of $16.77.
The federal minimum wage rate for federally regulated employees also recently increased to $16.65 as of April 1, 2023. It is important to note that for federally regulated employers who have employees that are usually employed in B.C., they must pay the higher of the federal or the provincial minimum wage rate. Therefore, federally regulated employers with employees in B.C. can continue to pay their employees the federal minimum wage rate of $16.65 until June 1, 2023. Then, as of June 1, 2023, federally regulated employers must pay those employees the B.C. minimum wage rate of $16.75.
Please reach out to a member of Lawson Lundell's Labour, Employment, and Human Rights Group for the latest advice for your workforce.
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Nicole practises in all areas of labour and employment law, including advising clients on wrongful dismissal, labour relations, human rights and privacy issues.
Nicole has represented clients in matters involving labour ...
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Miny is an associate in the Labour, Employment and Human Rights Group in Vancouver. She practices in all aspects of workplace law including employment standards complaints, human rights issues, labour grievances, workplace ...
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Lawson Lundell's Labour and Employment Law Blog provides updates on the most recent legal developments impacting the Canadian workplace and offers practical tips for employers. We cover a range of topics, including labour relations, employment law, collective bargaining, human rights, employment standards, employment equity, workers' compensation, business immigration, privacy, occupational health and safety and pensions and employee benefits.
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