The provincial government’s Fair Wages Commission is seeking the public’s perspective on the path to raising B.C.’s minimum wage to $15 an hour, the Ministry of Labour announced Tuesday, Oct. 31., 2017
Over the next six weeks, British Columbians may provide input via email or in person at one of eight public meetings schedule across the province. Nanaimo will be one of the host cities for in-person public consultation, on Nov. 17.
The Fair Wages Commission is seeking input on the timing of wage increases for the general workforce, as well as looking at wage fairness for liquor servers, live-in camp leaders, home support workers, resident caretakers and certain farm workers, the ministry said in a written news release.
Through Dec. 7, individuals, businesses and organizations can schedule a time to present to the commission at one of its public consultation meetings. People are also invited to submit a brief or other written feedback by sending an email to FWC@gov.bc.ca.
The Fair Wages Commission was established by the Ministry of Labour in October to advise government on how to move toward a $15-an-hour minimum wage with increases that are regular, measured and predictable. This arm’s-length commission has been directed to consult with economists, trade unions, the technology sector, small businesses, youth and others from all regions of the province, the ministry stated in the release.
The commission’s first task is to advise the government on a timeline for raising minimum wages. It will also advise on a process for regular reviews and increases to the minimum wage once $15 an hour is achieved. The commission has also been tasked to study and make recommendations on dealing with the discrepancy between the minimum wage and a living wage in B.C.
In-person consultations will be held in the following communities:
• Nov. 16 – Abbotsford
• Nov. 17 – Nanaimo
• Nov. 21 – Kelowna
• Nov. 23 – Vancouver
• Nov. 28 – Prince George
• Nov. 29 – Victoria
• Nov. 30 – Surrey
• Dec. 7 – Cranbrook
For more information about how to participate, visit: engage.gov.bc.ca/fairwagescommission.
— Submitted by B.C. Ministry of Labour
