When I started working about 15 years ago, I was paid about slightly above minimum wage, at $6.90 per hour. I worked at large clothing retailer, folding khakis and giving on advice on whether or not a customer looked best in “boot cut” or “loose fit” jeans. Since those halcyon denim days, I have noticed a steady and continual increase in the minimum wage rate in Québec.
Indeed, as the Commission des Normes de Travail helpfully outlines on its site [1], minimum wage has been steadily progressing from its institution at $4.35 per hour in 1986. As of May 1, 2011, the minimum wage in Québec is now $9.65 per hour (for employees who don’t make regular tips).
Across Canada [2], the majority of minimum wages rates don’t vary greatly – the lowest hourly rate is $8.00 in Alberta and the highest is $11.00 in Nunavut.
The historical purpose of the minimum wage was to ensure that employees who needed work weren’t taken advantage of and could “make a living” no matter their education level or type of work. It was historically intended to provide a “living wage [3]”. Many say that current minimum wage rates are insufficient to allow to someone to live.
A full-time employee (37.5 hours) in Québec who makes minimum wage will take home $18,817.00 annually. After tax (using this [4]very much unofficial tax calculator), they will net $16,449.30. At the high end, a full-time employee in Nunavut will take home $19,428.67 after taxes.
Is the minimum wage achieving its historical goal of providing a “living wage”? What do you think?