Minimum wage increases in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia
The minimum wage increases in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick Saturday.
Nova Scotia’s minimum hourly wage goes up to $14.50, from $13.60.
While in New Brunswick, the minimum wage will increase to $14.75 from $13.75.
The hourly minimum wage on Prince Edward Island remains at $14.50.
On Oct. 1, the minimum wage will increase to $15 in Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island.
The New Brunswick government says the consumer price index influences any increases.
But Robert MacKay, a project manager with the New Brunswick Common Front for Social Justice, says the increases still fall short of helping the most vulnerable.
“A living wage, to be able to get by and live a minimal and decent life is around $20 an hour, or a little higher now,” said MacKay.
Ian Lee, a business professor at Ottawa’s Carleton University, says increases will disproportionally affect small businesses.
“What we’re doing is giving almost an unfair advantage to large corporations because they can afford the minimum wage increase,” says Lee, in an interview with CTV News Channel. “Many small businesses can’t. They’re just hanging on by their fingernails.”
The hourly minimum wage in Newfoundland and Labrador also increased Saturday to $14.50, from $13.70, along with the federal minimum wage, which increased to $16.65 per hour, from $15.55.
With files from CTV’s Alyson Samson
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.