Engagement Summary

The Fair Wages Commission is working independently to advise government on how to move towards a $15-an-hour minimum wage with increases that are regular, measured and predictable.
 
The Commissioners were particularly interested in hearing the experiences and recommendations of those who earn less than $15-an-hour and their representatives; employers who will be affected by the new minimum wages; and employers and workers who can speak to details of minimum wage rates for farm workers, liquor servers, live-in home support workers, resident caretakers, and live-in camp leaders. (For these workers, the minimum wage rate differs from the general minimum wage.) It also wanted to hear from those from specific sectors (such as the technology or tourism sectors); and trade unions. Views of economists and others were also welcomed to advise on the impact of minimum wage changes on economic activity.
 
Feedback was collected through prompted written submissions, presentations at regional meetings to the Fair Wages Commission and through research briefs. 8 regional meetings were held across British Columbia including: Abbotsford, Nanaimo, Kelowna, Prince George, Vancouver, Victoria, Surrey, and Cranbrook. These meetings were open to the general public and any individual or organization who wished to present was encouraged to book a time.
 

Timeframe: 

October 26 – December 7, 2017
 

Input received:

• 178 presentations were made at 8 regional sessions around B.C. hosted by the Commission.
• 1,360 research briefs, questionnaire responses & comments were received.

A wide variety of groups participated in the engagement including workers, employers, trade unions, employer organizations, anti-poverty groups as well as others.
 

Input leads to action:

The Fair Wages Commission’s first report with recommendations on getting to a $15-an-hour minimum wage can be found here.