SUBMISSION: Fair Wages Commission

The Business Council acknowledges the government’s election platform commitment to move to a $15/hr statutory minimum wage in British Columbia, as well as its stated desire to improve the economic well-being of lower-paid workers. However, we believe policy-makers need to be cognizant of the complexities associated with substantial increases in the minimum wage. Accordingly, the Business Council recommends a cautious and incremental approach, coupled with careful monitoring of the impact of an escalating minimum wage on the pattern of labour demand and the performance of the job market.