Government of Yukon
Archives
FOR RELEASE #06-099
April 28, 2006
Reminder: Yukon Minimum Wage Increase Effective May 1
WHITEHORSE - The Government of Yukon would like to remind all Yukon employers that the new minimum wage rate of $8.25 per hour comes into effect Monday, May 1.
The authority for setting the minimum wage rate in the Yukon rests with the Employment Standards Board. The board undertook a consultation during December and January to capture the views of employees, employers and the general public on the proposed changes to the minimum wage rate.
"The board heard from approximately ninety Yukoners during their consultation," Glenn Hart, minister responsible for the Yukon Employment Standards Board, said. "There was overwhelming support to increase the minimum wage rate now that the Yukon economy is noticeably improving."
Nationally, one in 25 Canadian employees worked recently at or near the minimum wage set in their jurisdiction. Overall, individuals working at or below the minimum wage tend to be women, young people, students and part-time workers.
Nearly half of all minimum wage workers are between the ages of 15-19, with more than 75 per cent attending school full or part-time. The prevalence of teenagers and young adults in the minimum wage category reflects the characteristics and demands of minimum wage work.
National minimum wage levels range from a high of $8.50 per hour in Nunavut to a low of $6.25 per hour in Newfoundland and Labrador.
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| Contact: | |
| Peter Carr | Doug Caldwell |
| Cabinet Communications | Communications, Community Services |
| (867) 667-8688 | (867) 667-8065 |
| peter.carr@gov.yk.ca | doug.caldwell@gov.yk.ca |