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Chambers support minimum wage increase
The Cranbrook Chamber of Commerce has joined the BC Chamber of Commerce in offering its support to the provincial government over its recent minimum wage increase.
The BC Chamber takes changes to the minimum wage seriously. Increases to the minimum wage have a very real, and direct effect on business, especially small business. We commend the provincial government on implementing an increase to minimum wage in B.C. and a plan for future changes, giving businesses a window to plan and prepare, the provincial organization stated in a press release.
“This is a responsible move, with the degree of certainty that businesses appreciate,” said John Winter, president and CEO of the BC Chamber. “This increase keeps B.C. competitive and aligns us with the minimum wages seen in other provinces.”
Cranbrook Chamber President Dave Struthers was pleased with the announcement.
“This comes after extensive government consultation with businesses. The BC Chamber of Commerce, of which the Cranbrook Chamber is an active contributing member, considered changes to the minimum wage a serious policy issue and represented the business community interests with a consistent message to government.
“Increases to the minimum wage have a very direct and demonstrable effect on business, especially small business. We commend the provincial government on implementing an increase to minimum wage in B.C. in a responsible manner,” said Struthers.
Chamber Executive Director David D. Hull has been involved at the chamber level through numerous changes to the minimum wage in B.C. over the last decade.
“The really salient portion of today’s announcement is the certainty that comes with a plan for future changes, giving businesses a window to plan and prepare,” said Hull.
“This move to a predictable pattern of increases will provide the degree of certainty that businesses appreciate,” he added. “This increase keeps B.C. competitive and aligns us with the minimum wages seen in other provinces.”
The BC Chamber membership has always advocated for certainty in changes to the minimum wage. Most businesses are likely to be open to an idea that sees the minimum wage tied to inflation through a consistent, and transparent, formula that will give business the certainty they need around these issues.
The provincial government earlier this week announced it was upping the minimum wage by 20 cents an hour from the current $10.25.
While chambers are hailing the small increase, the B.C. Federation of Labour has claimed the announcement to be “pathetic news.”
About 110,000 British Columbians currently earn the minimum wage. The increase will provide about (before taxes) $26 more a month for a full-time worker earning the minimum wage.
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