Minimum wage increased in Quebec
But workers and business owners have criticized the authorities' decision.
On May 1, the Quebec government raised the provincial minimum wage by $0.40 CAD to $13.50 CAD per hour.
However, many residents believe that this is not enough and that such an increase will not change anything.
"The minimum wage does not reflect the real cost of living, especially considering the cost of housing and rent in large cities," Maxim Dmitrienko, a grocery store worker, told reporters.
He also shared his concerns about price increases caused by the minimum wage increase. Tony Esposito, Dmitrienko's supervisor, shares his concerns.
"I don't think people will really benefit in the long run because, as everyone knows, costs are always passed on to consumers, especially in small businesses," Esposito says.
The Quebec government has cited wage increases as a way to ensure fair compensation for employees without hurting the employer. The Canadian Federation of Independent Business also disagrees. Federation spokesman François Vincent said the authorities should have introduced tax incentives along with the wage increases because small and medium-sized businesses are struggling because of the pandemic.
"Sixty-eight per cent of SMEs in Quebec have below normal sales," Vincent said. — One-third are concerned about their cash flow. That's not good for businesses and for the economy."
On April 1, several more provinces have raised the minimum wage. A number of regions will do so in the summer and autumn.
