$15 federal minimum wage: one step closer
Last week’s mandate letter from the Prime Minister to the federal Minister of Labour confirmed the government’s intent to make good on its promise to raise the federal minimum wage to $15 and implement other improvements to the Canada Labour Code.
But as we know from our own experience in Ontario, we can’t simply sit back and expect the government to follow through. You can help increase the pressure by posting and sharing this urgent reminder that a $15 federal minimum wage is long overdue.
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Let’s remember:
- We can expect a backlash from corporations who see decent wages as a threat to their profits. We need to be ready to defend workers and challenge Big Business when they spread lies that decent wages harm our economy.
- We know minority governments are unstable and recent history suggests another federal election could be upon us within two years. It’s easier for workers to protect a $15 minimum wage and better labour laws if they have enough time to experience the improvements before the next election.
On our last teleconference, we talked about the importance of local $15 and Fairness leaders like yourself dropping by Liberal or NDP MP offices. You could bring a “Proud to support a $15 minimum wage and decent work for all” sign (click here) and ask them to display it in their window. Be sure to snap a selfie with the staff or the MP and post it to social media.
The more we raise expectations, the harder it will be for the Liberals to renege on their promise or drag their feet. When posting your pix, we’ll have a pan-Canadian audience, so in addition to using the #15andFairness hashtag please also use #CdnPoli and #Fightfor15.
A $15 federal minimum wage matters
After everything we have been through this year in Ontario, it’s worth pausing to consider what a difference a $15 and Fairness win would make for all those in federally-regulated sectors (see them here) earning minimum wage. Here’s a list of current provincial minimum wage rates:
$11.15 – Newfoundland and Labrador $11.32 – Saskatchewan $11.50 – New Brunswick $11.55 – Nova Scotia $11.65 – Manitoba $12.25 – Prince Edward Island $12.50 – Quebec $12.71 – Yukon $13.00 – Nunavut $13.46 – Northwest Territories $13.85 – British Columbia $14.00 – Ontario $15.00 – Alberta
Think about an airport worker in Newfoundland and Labrador earning their province’s minimum wage: a $15 federal minimum wage will mean a 35% wage increase! Even in Ontario, a bank teller earning $14 an hour will get a 7% wage increase when the federal minimum wage goes to $15. These kinds of wage increases will make a real difference in workers’ lives.
A $15 minimum wage is long overdue! Let’s do everything we can to make sure the Liberal government implements their promise right away. Then let’s use the momentum to fight for at least $15 an hour and better labour laws for every worker in Canada.
Register now! 2020 Provincial Strategy Meeting
We are excited about our upcoming provincial strategy meeting and we hope you register right now! Click here to fill out the early-bird registration form.
The meeting will take place in Toronto at Ryerson University on February 28 and 29.
Click here for a sneak peek of the preliminary agenda and we’ll keep you posted as we confirm the speakers.
Provincial teleconferences
Upcoming provincial teleconferences for 2020 are scheduled for Mondays at 6:00 pm as follows:
January 13; February 3; March 2; April 6; May 4; June 1; July 6; August 10; September 14; October 5; November 2; and December 7.
Happy holidays!
It’s fair to say 2019 was a tough year. But we have plenty to be proud of and lots to keep fighting for even as 2019 draws to a close.
The whole $15 and Fairness team wishes each and every one of you the best for the holidays and a healthy and happy New Year.