Minimum wage will jump up almost 4 percent in June

PRINCE GEORGE—British Columbians will see minimum wage increase this year from $16.75 an hour to $17.40, consistent with the provinces average inflation rate in 2023.

“B.C. has gone from having one of the lowest minimum wages in the country to the highest of all the provinces. We made a commitment to tie minimum-wage increases to the rate of inflation to prevent B.C.’s lowest-paid workers from falling behind,” said Harry Bains, Minister of Labour. “Today, we are enshrining that commitment into law.”

Most wages will increase June 1, 2024, exempting agricultural industries which will increase after harvest season on December 31 to ensure crop producers will not have to adjust wages mid-season.

“As a fast-food worker earning minimum wage, I welcome the government’s rule to increase wages with inflation annually, providing much-needed financial stability to cope with the rising cost of living,” said Carmen Velasco in Richmond.