Premier Heather Stefanson announced Manitoba is increasing its minimum wage to $15 by October 2023 and will begin consulting with small businesses on how this increase could affect their business..“Our government recognizes the financial challenges many Manitobans are facing as a result of global inflationary pressures. Today’s announcement delivers on our commitment to making life more affordable for all Manitobans,” said Stefanson. .“This phased-in approach will ensure small businesses remain strong and continue to grow while helping workers and their families get ahead by earning bigger paycheques. Our balanced approach to increasing the minimum wage will help workers make ends meet while also recognizing the concerns of small businesses who are struggling during this difficult time.”.In the spring, the Manitoba government passed amendments to the Employment Standards Code, which would increase the minimum wage higher than the inflation rate..On October 1, the minimum wage increases from $11.95 to $13.50 per hour..On April 1, 2023, the minimum wage will go up another 65 cents to $14.15 per hour..On October 1, 2023, the minimum wage will hit $15 per hour..These increases are indexed against the inflation rate and could be adjusted if there is a major change in the inflation rate..The Labour, Consumer Protection and Government Services Minister Reg Helwer said the increase helps Manitobans with the higher than normal cost-of-living increases..“This wage increase will provide much-needed support to hard-working Manitobans who have been burdened by soaring cost-of-living increases,” said Helwer..“Manitobans have worked tirelessly throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, and we are committed to relieving some of the financial strain.”.Manitoba's minimum wage is still the second lowest in Canada..“No one should work full-time but still live in poverty. But that is the reality for thousands of workers in our province because the Stefanson government has kept our minimum wage far too low for workers to be able to make ends meet,” said Manitoba Federation of Labour President Kevin Rebeck in a statement.
