Canada’s British Columbia set to raise minimum wage by 3.9%, effective June

The minimum wage in British Columbia (B.C.), Canada will see a 3.9% increase from $16.75 to $17.40 per hour, starting June 1, 2024, as reported by CBC.

B.C.’s minimum wage, which was $8 an hour from 2001 to 2010, has been rising steadily since 2011.

The province has progressed from one of the lowest to the highest minimum wage rates in Canada, with the increase making it the third highest in Canada, just behind Yukon.

Future minimum wage increases will be automatically indexed to inflation.

Despite the rise, there is still a call in the province to bridge the gap between the minimum wage and the living wage, as the new minimum wage remains well below the living wage across B.C. 

The living wage in Canada is the amount required for two working parents to cover living expenses for a family of four. 

Additional Information:

• In 2023, B.C. raised the minimum wage by 6.9%, reflecting the cost of living increase in the province for 2022.
• At least eight other Canadian jurisdictions also adjust minimum wage based on the Canada’s Consumer Price Index. 
• As of April 1, the federal minimum wage in Canada has increased and minimum wages vary across provinces, ranging from $14.00 in Saskatchewan to $17.59 in Yukon.
• In Metro Vancouver, the living wage gap exceeds $8, translating to about $15,000 annually for a full-time worker.