Deb Schenk | Contributed
The province’s minimum hourly wage will increase to $17.40, up from $16.75, in line with annual inflation in June.
While recognizing the government’s efforts to provide businesses with time to adapt and offering future certainty by tying the increase to inflation, the Sooke Region Chamber of Commerce emphasizes the need to explore diverse approaches to address the broader economic landscape.
We understand businesses’ substantial efforts to attract and retain skilled workers, and we recognize that wage increments are fundamental to this endeavour.
While we commend the government for allowing businesses time to adapt and providing future certainty through inflation-linked adjustments, there are more effective avenues for the government to enhance affordability and alleviate the cost of living in our province.
Our advocacy work seeks to initiate a broader conversation on strategies to mitigate the impact of rising costs on both businesses and residents. By collaborating with government stakeholders, we aim to explore innovative policies beyond wage increases, ultimately creating a more sustainable and affordable environment for all.
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Deb Schenk is the executive director of the Sooke Region Chamber of Commerce. Email info@sookeregionchamber.com.
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