Government making sure ‘minimum wage keeps up with the cost of living so workers don’t fall further behind’

The British Columbia government is reminding employers of the upcoming increase to the provincial minimum wage.

Effective June 1, the province’s general minimum wage will rise from $17.40 to $17.85 per hour.

"Minimum wage earners are vulnerable to jumps in the price of groceries, rent and gas," said Jennifer Whiteside, minister of labour, in February. "That’s why we took action last year to ensure the minimum wage keeps up with the cost of living so workers don’t fall further behind."

The 2.6% increase will also apply to minimum-wage rates for resident caretakers, live-in home-support workers, live-in camp leaders, and app-based delivery and ride-hailing service workers, according to the provincial government.

Minimum agricultural piece rates for hand harvesters will increase by 2.6% on December 31, 2025. This timing aligns with the end of the harvest season, ensuring that crop producers are not required to adjust wages mid-season.

"Government has made regular, gradual increases to the minimum wage to provide certainty for workers and predictability for businesses," said the B.C. government. "This is the fourth year of the government's ongoing commitment to tie annual minimum-wage increases to inflation."

Several provinces have also announced minimum wage increases earlier this year.

How does the minimum wage increase affect businesses?

In a previous Express...

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