Quebec’s minimum wage is set to increase by 50 cents, bringing it to $13.50 per hour, starting May 1st. This announcement was made by the provincial government on Wednesday, as part of their plan to gradually raise the minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2023.
The current minimum wage in Quebec is $13.10 per hour, which was implemented in May 2020. This 50-cent increase is the second step in the government’s plan to reach the $15 per hour mark. The first increase of 60 cents took place in May 2020.
According to the government, this increase will benefit over 287,000 workers in the province who currently earn minimum wage. This includes many young workers, as well as those in the service and retail industries.
The decision to raise the minimum wage was made after consulting with various stakeholders, including employers, unions, and community organizations. The government also took into consideration the current economic situation and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on workers.
While some may argue that a 50-cent increase is not enough, the government believes that it is a step in the right direction towards a fair and livable wage for all workers in the province. They also stated that this increase will help stimulate the economy by putting more money in the pockets of low-income workers.
However, not everyone is pleased with this decision. The Conseil du patronat du Québec, a business group, expressed concerns about the impact of this increase on small and medium-sized businesses, especially during these challenging times.
The government has assured that they will continue to monitor the situation and make adjustments if necessary. They also plan to introduce measures to support small businesses and help them adjust to the new minimum wage.
In conclusion, the minimum wage in Quebec will increase by 50 cents to $13.50 per hour starting May 1st. This is the second step in the government’s plan to reach $15 per hour by 2023. While some may have concerns, the government believes that this increase will benefit many workers and help stimulate the economy.
