CHARLOTTETOWN, PEI -- The minimum wage on Prince Edward Island will increase from $7.15 to $7.50 per hour on April 1, 2007, Elmer MacFadyen, Minister responsible for labour announced today.

"At $7.15 per hour, our minimum wage is currently on par with other Atlantic provinces," said Minister MacFadyen. "In making this decision, government considered the need to ensure that our minimum wage is competitive in the Atlantic region and balanced that with the need to ensure that the province remains an attractive environment to invest in and do business.

"The Employment Standards Board reviews the set minimum wage every year and government agreed with their recommendations that the minimum wage be increased effective April 1, 2007," he added.

In accordance with section 5(2) of the Employment Standards Act, the Board is required to review the minimum wage order each year and make a recommendation to Executive Council. About 2,800 employees in Prince Edward Island earn minimum wage.

BACKGROUNDER

The minimum wage in the other three Atlantic provinces is as follows:

New Brunswick -- 1 January 2006, $6.50

1 July 2006, $6.70

Newfoundland -- 1 June 2006, $6.75

1 January 2007, $7.00

Nova Scotia -- 1 April 2006, $7.15/experienced and $6.70/inexperienced

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Minimum Wage Will Increase Effective April 1, 2007