Last week, the Government of Manitoba announced an increase to the minimum wage. Effective October 1, 2022, Manitoba’s minimum wage will increase to $13.50 per hour, with subsequent increases to $14.15 and $15.00 to occur on April 1, 2023 and October 1, 2023 respectively.
“The Manitoba Chambers of Commerce absolutely acknowledges that Manitoba’s minimum wage needs to increase in response to rising cost pressures,” says Elisabeth Saftiuk, MCC Vice President of Policy & Government Relations. “However, there needs to be a balance between having a competitive minimum wage and recognizing that employers faced serious economic challenges through the COVID-19 pandemic, and that they continue to deal with the financial aftermath of operating restrictions and labour shortages.”
As reflected in our policy resolutions, the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce will continue advocating for a complete tax review, and we would be very pleased to work alongside government and in conjunction with our members to support the review process.
“It is imperative that government consider offsetting the cost to business. Minimum wage is one part of the affordability discussion, but we cannot have that discussion without considering Manitoba’s taxation framework, which is falling behind our provincial and territorial neighbours.”
