Statement from Premier on Minimum Wage

Premier Wade MacLauchlan today released the following statement on the increase to minimum wage: 

Today, government confirmed the recommendation of the Employment Standards Board to increase minimum wage by 70 cents to $12.25 per hour on April 1, 2019. 

As a government we believe that all Islanders should share the benefits of a strong economy. Our minimum wage remains the highest in Atlantic Canada and the Island economy has consistently led Atlantic Canada for a number of years. This new minimum wage will help support Island families and communities throughout our province. 

Thanks to hard-working Islanders, the Prince Edward Island economy is stronger than ever before. This means more jobs for Islanders, more money in the pockets of Islanders, and more Island goods being showcased around the world. Since 2016, there have been 6,600 new full-time jobs created on the Island.

We recognize our Island business community and their contributions to communities throughout our province. We will continue to work with them and build on the initiatives to help them remain competitive, such as our recent cut to the small business tax rate and a new small business investment grant. 

By working with Islanders, we are getting ahead, together. 

Mary Moszynski
mamoszynski@gov.pe.ca