Saskatchewan, a province in Canada, has recently been in the spotlight for having the lowest hourly minimum wage in the country. This has sparked discussions and debates about the state of minimum wage in Canada and how it compares to other provinces.
According to the latest data from Statistics Canada, Saskatchewan’s minimum wage is currently set at $11.45 per hour. This is significantly lower than the national average of $14.25 per hour. In fact, it is the lowest among all provinces in Canada.
This low minimum wage has raised concerns about the cost of living in Saskatchewan and the ability of workers to make ends meet. Many argue that the current minimum wage is not enough to cover basic expenses such as rent, food, and transportation.
On the other hand, some argue that a low minimum wage is necessary for businesses to remain competitive and to attract investment. They also point out that Saskatchewan has a lower cost of living compared to other provinces, which may offset the lower minimum wage.
So how does Saskatchewan’s minimum wage stack up against the rest of Canada? Let’s take a look at the numbers.
As mentioned earlier, Saskatchewan’s minimum wage of $11.45 per hour is the lowest in the country. The next lowest is Manitoba at $11.90 per hour, followed by Nova Scotia at $12.55 per hour. On the other end of the spectrum, the highest minimum wage in Canada is in Nunavut at $16 per hour, followed by Alberta at $15 per hour.
It is also worth noting that Saskatchewan has not increased its minimum wage since 2019, while other provinces have implemented increases in the past year. For example, British Columbia’s minimum wage increased to $15.20 per hour in June 2021, and Ontario’s minimum wage increased to $14.25 per hour in October 2020.
In terms of the impact on workers, a study by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives found that a full-time worker in Saskatchewan earning minimum wage would need to work 50 hours per week to afford a one-bedroom apartment at the average rent. This is significantly higher than the recommended 30% of income that should be spent on housing.
In conclusion, Saskatchewan’s minimum wage is the lowest in Canada and has not seen an increase in the past two years. This has sparked discussions about the cost of living and the ability of workers to make ends meet. While some argue that a low minimum wage is necessary for businesses, others argue that it is not enough to cover basic expenses. As the debate continues, it is important for policymakers to consider the impact of minimum wage on workers and the economy as a whole.
