By Glenn Hicks

Minimum wage up but NDP calls it sad

Oct 1, 2018 | 8:00 AM

The minimum wage in Saskatchewan went up by 10 cents today.

The government says pre-announced annual increases like this one offered predictability, while the New Democrats have labeled the current figure as “sad.” Saskatchewan has the second-lowest minimum wage in the nation.

From today the minimum wage moved from $10.96 to $11.06 an hour, following the government’s announcement in June. The provincial government said it was the tenth increase in the minimum wage since 2007 when the hourly income was $7.95.

“Since 2011, we have been able to provide predictable annual minimum wage increases, allowing employers and employees to prepare and plan for change,” Labour Relations and Workplace Safety Minister Don Morgan said in a media release.

The government introduced an indexation formula for calculating the wage in 2010 that gives equal weight to changes to the Consumer Price Index and Average Hourly Wage for Saskatchewan.

Safety first

Safety concerns and tips surrounding discarded needles in P.A.

14h ago

Liquor stores must change hours

Prince Albert limits liquor store hours

18h ago

skin care +

LUXE22 Clinic : Elevating Beauty with Expert Treatments

18h ago

However, Nicole Rancourt, the NDP MLA for Prince Albert Northcote, said the government should reconsider that formula and what is a livable wage.

“A low minimum wage that doesn’t even cover the basics will lead to a suffering economy and slow growth of the GDP,” she told paNOW. “We know a lot of people working minimum wage jobs are often the hardest working in our communities yet they receive the least amount.”

Rancourt said Saskatchewan shouldn’t be at the bottom of the pile when it comes to wages.

“I wish we could be somewhat leading in our country instead of the second lowest; that’s a sad statistic.” She added a $15 an hour minimum wage was realistic and something an NDP government “would work towards as a priority.” Alberta moved to a $15 an hour wage today, up from $13.60 and fulfilling an earlier NDP government pledge there.

The Prince Albert and District Chamber of Commerce said there was relief among the business community that the increase to $11.06 an hour was nowhere near the big hike in Alberta, which is going from $13.60 to $15. 

“It does cause businesses some concern because it might increase prices and that effects the end users,” Elise Hildebandt said. “I hope we can still continue to grow,  and I know it’s just 10 cents, but I hope it doesn’t prevent businesses from hiring people, students, and whatever age they need to bring in, because we all need to start somewhere on a job.”

Cheryl Sander owns and operates the Tim Hortons on Marquis Road.

She said the increase in the minimum wage is a good thing although she pays employees at least a dollar more than that and has many longer term employees who are earning well above that.

“We know that if we pay at least a dollar above the minimum wage we’ll attract more people [to work] in the restaurant for sure,” she said.

Sander added she understands the need for workers to make a livable wage and what it takes to keep people.

“If we want people to stay working for us, stay in Prince Albert , and be able to afford homes … most of my staff are making over $14 or $15 an hour, but they’ve also been with me for over five years,” she said.

Only Nova Scotia has a lower minimum wage than Saskatchewan at $11, which will increase annually based on the Consumer Price Index. Manitoba’s rate is up to $11.35 as of today.

glenn.hicks@jpbg.ca

On Twitter;@princealbertnow