New Brunswick Minimum Wage Increases July 1

June 9 2006 - New Brunswick's minimum wage will increase to $6.70 per hour from the current $6.50 on July 1. Further increases will be planned to bring it up to $7.10 by July 1, 2007.

Post-Secondary Education and Training Minister Jody Carr said:

"I am very pleased that government continues to follow through on addressing the minimum wage, and this 20-cent-per-hour increase is consistent with its commitment," Carr said. "This will benefit thousands of New Brunswick workers while respecting the needs of employers in the province."

Jody Carr confirmed that he had already asked the Minimum Wage Board to consider incremental increases to raise the minimum wage level to $7.10 per hour by the same time next year. This will bring the wage more in line with other provinces. The increase is 10 cents higher than originally planned.

"This adjustment and our plan to map out future levels of the minimum wage are to keep New Brunswick in line with other Maritimes and national levels," Carr said. "It also gives employers ample time to adjust for future increases before they occur.

"Raising the minimum-wage level is only one element of a more comprehensive plan to create a better work/life balance to make New Brunswick a great place to work and an even better place to live," Carr said. "We will continue with the Premier's Five in Five initiative, which will help workers and those most in need in the province, while maintaining the balance of a competitive business environment."

For more information on the minimum wage, paid public holidays and the Employment Standards Act, contact the employment standards branch of the Department of Post-Secondary Education and Training at 1-888-452-2687, or visit the website.