Saskatchewan’s lowest-earning workers will get a pay raise Saturday, when the province’s minimum wage goes up to $13 per hour from $11.81 per hour.
The provincial government is planning to increase the minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2024, with a bump to $14 per hour coming on Oct. 1, 2023, and then another increase to $15 per hour on Oct. 1, 2024.
Previously, Saskatchewan used an indexed formula to determine minimum wage.
In a statement made in May, Don Morgan — Saskatchewan’s minister for labour relations and workplace safety — said the increases are a response to a rising cost of living.
“World events continue to put upward pressure on the cost of living in Saskatchewan and across Canada,” Morgan said.
“Our government is committed to ensuring life is affordable for our low-income residents.”
A higher minimum wage helps the province grow, Morgan added.
“As we continue to grow Saskatchewan, we want to attract quality investments and jobs so that all citizens can benefit,” Morgan said. “Making this change to the minimum wage is a step in that direction.”
According to the provincial government, Saskatchewan’s minimum wage has increased 14 times since 2007, when it was just $7.95 per hour.
The minimum wage increase is not the only measure the provincial government is taking to try to address the rising cost of living. This summer, Premier Scott Moe announced a $500 “affordability payment” which will be coming to every adult in the province this fall.