Minimum wage goes up June 1

British Columbia’s latest minimum wage increase takes effect Wednesday, June 1, bumping the rate by 45 cents to $15.65 per hour.

The province says the increase is tied to B.C.’s average annual inflation rate which was 2.8 per cent last year, and makes B.C.’s minimum wage the highest of any province.

Labour minister Harry Baines said the last five years of minimum wage hikes benefited as many as 400,000 British Columbians, the majority of whom are women, immigrants or youth.

“Having a fair minimum wage is a key step in helping to lift more people out of poverty, make life more affordable and build a strong economy for B.C.,” said Bains. “We will continue to advocate for fair wages for all workers, especially those low-income workers who have been so essential to our health and well-being during the pandemic.”