Nova Scotia committee recommends rate increase

Minimum wage could go up to $10 per hour as of Oct. 1, 2011

The Nova Scotia Minimum Wage Review Committee has recommended raising the minimum wage in the province from $9.65 per hour to $10 per hour on Oct. 1, 2011.

“The minimum wage is an important economic benchmark that affects both people and the business community,” said Minister of Labour and Advanced Education Marilyn More.

The report also recommends increasing the minimum wage for inexperienced workers (less than three months experience) to $9.50 on Oct 1, 2011; adjusting the minimum wage annually on April 1 and tying it to the consumer price index of the previous year, starting in 2012; and holding committee meetings annually to carry out re-indexing and assess whether any changes are required.

The public, business communities and other interested groups are invited to comment on the latest recommendations until April 11, 2011.

"I encourage anyone who is interested to please read the committee's report and provide comments,” said More. “I look forward to carefully reviewing this feedback, along with the findings of the report, before considering any future changes to the minimum wage."

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