The Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Labour, today announced four increases to the minimum wage rate from April 1, 2020 to October 1, 2021.

As of April 1, 2020, the minimum wage will increase by 25 cents to $11.65. This increase is based on the percentage change in the National Consumer Price Index, since introducing a formula-based approach.

On October 1, 2020, there will be a further increase of 50 cents to the minimum wage rate, bringing it to $12.15.

On April 1, 2021, the minimum wage will increase based on the National Consumer Price Index at that time, based on the established formula. In addition, the rate will be increased by 25 cents.

On October 1, 2021, the minimum wage will increase by 25 cents.

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“Our government is committed to ensuring a fair minimum wage for workers in this province. We realize recent increases have not been enough to keep up with minimum wage rates across the country and that we must do more to help low income earners in Newfoundland and Labrador. We have heard from employers their concerns about the impacts of wage increases and the need to provide sufficient notice before any change is implemented so they can factor these new wage rates into their business planning. This is a balanced approach and, as a result of these increases, we expect to be more closely aligned with our Atlantic counterparts.”

Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore

Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Labour

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Media contact

Tansy Mundon

Advanced Education, Skills and Labour

709-729-0753, 693-1865

tansymundon@gov.nl.ca

BACKGROUNDER

Information on the Report of the Independent Minimum Wage Committee

On October 16, 2019, the Minister of Advanced, Education, Skills and Labour announced the appointment of an Independent Minimum Wage Committee to solicit targeted stakeholder input and report to the minister with observations, findings and recommendations on the current adjustment process for setting the minimum wage and the wage rate. As part of consultations, an online questionnaire received 1,540 responses.

The report was received by the minister in January 2020. Members of the committee did not reach a consensus on recommendations to the minister. The report, its submissions and responses for the online survey were used to inform the Minister’s decision. A copy of the report can be found here.