Minimum wage increases across the Maritimes

Minimum wage workers in the Maritimes are now earning a little bit more per hour.

The minimum wage in Nova Scotia increased $0.25 per hour on Wednesday from $16.50 to $16.75.

The raise is one of two scheduled increases, with the second increase bringing minimum wage in the province to $17 per hour on Oct. 1.

“Minimum wage workers show up every day in workplaces across Nova Scotia,” said Nolan Young, minister of Labour, Skills and Immigration.

“This increase means more money in the pockets of hard-working Nova Scotians to help pay for groceries, rent and everyday expenses. We will continue to raise the minimum wage in a fair and predictable way.”

The minimum wage in New Brunswick also increased by $0.25 per hour from $15.65 to $15.90 per hour.

Prince Edward Island saw the biggest increase in minimum wage in the Maritimes on Wednesday.

Minimum wage on the Island jumped by $0.50 from $16.50 to $17 per hour, making it the province with the highest minimum wage rate in Atlantic Canada.