On May 4, 2016 the government of British Columbia announced its intention to raise minimum wage in the province.  Implemented over two years, this change will see minimum wage increase to an estimated $11.25 by September 2017.

The government’s minimum wage policy is designed to track the British Columbia Consumer Price Index (“CPI”). Although the CPI suggested an increase of ten cents ($0.10) per hour for 2016, predictions that British Columbia will lead Canada in economic growth in 2016 and 2017 have led the province to conclude that a total eighty-cent increase over two years is likely warranted.

The following minimum wage rates are effective September 15, 2016:

General Minimum Wage: $10.85 per hour

Liquor Server Minimum Wage: $9.60 per hour

Both wages represent an increase of forty-cents ($0.40) to the previous hourly rate. A second increase is proposed for September 15, 2017, which will see the General Minimum Wage and Liquor Server Minimum Wage raised to an estimated $11.25 per hour and estimated $10.00 per hour, respectively, subject to the 2016 CPI.

Wages for live-in support workers, live-in camp leaders, resident caretakers and farm worker piece rates have also seen a proportionate increase effective September 15, 2016.

The BC government press release on this and future proposed increases can be found here.

Please also see the Ministry of Labour’s “Minimum Wage Factsheets” on the minimum wage and the minimum wage for liquor servers.

Minimum wages are also on the rise across the country. On October 1, the minimum wage will increase from $11.20 to $12.20 an hour in Alberta, from $11.25 to $11.40 in Ontario, and from $10.75 to $11 on Prince Edward Island.