September 15, 2016

Reminder: Further Minimum Wage Increases to Take Effect on October 1, 2016

Effective October 1, 2016, minimum wage rates will increase in Alberta, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, and Saskatchewan. These changes come on the heels of similar action taken earlier this month in British Columbia.
The general minimum wage in Alberta will take a significant jump from $11.20 to $12.20 per hour as part of a long-term strategy to reach $15.00 per hour by 2018. The current minimum wage rate for liquor servers of $10.70 per hour will be abolished, and the distinction will no longer exist apart from the general wage rate. Certain other professions will also experience increases.
In Ontario, the general minimum wage will increase from $11.25 to $11.40 per hour. The minimum wage rate of liquor servers will increase from $9.80 to $9.90 per hour, and will be joined by increases to other special categories of employees.  Following the increase, Ontario will have the fourth highest wage rate in Canada.
In Prince Edward Island, the general minimum wage will increase from $10.75 to $11.00 per hour, putting the minimum wage rate in PEI higher than any other Atlantic province.
The general minimum wage in Saskatchewan will see increase from $10.50 to $10.72 per hour.
Employers should ensure they are compliant with the changes to employment legislation in Alberta, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, and Saskatchewan, as of October 1, 2016.
 
If you have any questions about this topic or any other questions relating to workplace law, please do not hesitate to contact a Mathews Dinsdale lawyer.
For more information on new developments in Workplace Law, please refer to our website at:  https://mathewsdinsdale.com/news-events/in-a-flash/
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