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Saskatchewan

Premier Moe defends Sask.'s lowest-in-Canada minimum wage

Saskatchewan has the lowest minimum wage in the country but because the average earnings are 'strong,' so no changes to the current formula for determining minimum wage are needed, Premier Scott Moe said.

$10.96 is lowest minimum wage in Canada, will rise in October

CBC News ·
Opposition leader Ryan Meili said people may leave Saskatchewan because of the minimum wage. (CBC)

Saskatchewan has the lowest minimum wage in the country. Premier Scott Moe said Monday no changes to the minimum wage formula are needed, citing "strong" average earnings. 

The province's minimum wage currently sits at $10.96 per hour and will rise in October based on a formula tied to the Consumer Price Index and average hourly wage.

"This is the formula we've had for a number of years now. It's still working for the people of the province and we'll continue with it," the Premier said on Monday. 

Premier Scott Moe said the current formula for determining Saskatchewan's minimum wage is adequate. (CBC)

Opposition NDP leader Ryan Meili has called for an increase in minimum wage to bring it more in line with the rest of the country. 

Meili expressed concern at the possibility of someone working full-time and still living in poverty.

A low minimum wage also means someone might leave Saskatchewan to find work in greener pastures, he added.

"If we've got Alberta going to $15, Ontario going to $15, we may actually see people leaving Saskatchewan for work as they are able to make more and have a better chance of a better quality of life," Meili said. 

Currently, Alberta's minimum is $13.60 but it will rise to $15 in October.

Ontario's minimum wage rose to $14 in January and will hit $15 by January 2019.

With files from Adam Hunter

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