Labour, Consumer Protection, and Government Services Minister Reg Helwer has announced that the province will be introducing legislation that would allow for an increase to the provincial minimum wage.

Bill 44 would allow the cabinet to decide on a larger minimum wage increase if inflation exceeds five per cent in the first quarter of a calendar year. The Employment Standards Code currently regulates increases to the wage.

"Our government is committed to making life more affordable for Manitobans," mentions Helwer. "This legislation would make critical changes to the Employment Standards Code to permit larger increases to the provincial minimum wage under certain economic conditions."

The minister adds he hopes this can provide a fair balance between employers and employees as the province tries to rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic. 

"This change would provide much-needed support to hard-working Manitobans who have been burdened by soaring cost-of-living increases," says Helwer. "Manitobans have worked tirelessly throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, and this legislation would relieve some of the financial strain they are experiencing due to rising food and fuel prices."

Manitoba's minimum wage is set to increase to $12.35 per hour on October 1st.

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