The minimum wage rate on Prince Edward Island continues to be of significant concern to Chamber members specifically with respect to the pace of minimum wage increases in this province in recent years.  From 2003 to 2011, minimum has increased by 60% while CPI increased by only 22.2%.  In 2011, the minimum wage increased by 6.7%, while CPI increased by only 2.8% (to the end of April). 

These increases have had a real impact on employers on Prince Edward Island in terms of their ability to continue to employ staff levels that will properly sustain and grow their businesses. A rising minimum wage not only increases wages, it also forces employers to amend their payroll budget, and increase their employer contributions for Employment Insurance, Worker’s Compensation and CPP premiums. The net effect of rising labour costs that are in excess of gains in inflation and productivity is fewer staff hours and fewer positions available for low-skill, minimum wage workers.

The Chamber asked that the province hold further stakeholder consultation on a tiered minimum wage rate; slow the pace of future increases to the minimum wage to reflect the CPI; and increase the basic personal exemption so minimum wage earners take home a greater portion of their wage.

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UPCOMING EVENTS

Lot 30 Restaurant/Wine Bar

Largo Fitness Center

The Garment District