Starting 1 October 2023, the hourly minimum wage in Canada has gone up in six provinces. In Ontario, minimum wage has gone up to $16.55 per hour from $15.50. People in Manitoba can expect minimum hourly wage of $15.30 compared to the earlier $14.15. Saskatchewan province has increased hourly wage rate from $13 to $14. Nova Scotia, as well as Newfoundland and Labrador have hiked minimum hourly wage from $14.50 to $15. A similar hike has been implemented in Prince Edward Island too.
In June, British Columbia had increased minimum wage to $16.75 per hour, while New Brunswick had increased it to $14.75 per hours effective April 2023. In May this year, Quebec increased minimum wage to $15.25 per hour.
About 62 mines have increased wages by an average of three per cent. Most of these are union mines. The hike is in the range of 1.5 to 12.5 per cent as per a recent survey. At least 14 mines have witnessed no change in wages.
Mines see a big challenge in retaining employees in northern Canada. As a result, many mines have begun to pay 50 per cent more to attract workers. Many use incentive bonus plans to attract talent, while at least 30 have employee-retention plans in place.
Other perks offered include transportation to the mine, discounted daycare facilities, reimbursement of commuting expenses, supplemental retirement plans, accident and life insurance cover, stock purchase plans, safety equipment, allowances to procure tools, scholarships for children of employees, as well as education and training.
