The Quebec government has announced that it will raise the province’s minimum wage by 20 cents — to $10.35 an hour — starting May 1.
Labour Minister Agnès Maltais made the announcement Wednesday afternoon in Shawinigan, where the Parti Québécois is holding a caucus meeting.
For people who work in the service industry and make tips, minimum wage will increase by 15 cents — to $8.90.
Maltais denied the timing of the announcement was planned to woo voters ahead of a widely expected election call.
Even with May's increase, Quebec will remain in the middle of the pack as compared to the rest of Canada. The Ontario government announced last month it will raise its minimum hourly wage to $11.00 — matching the rate in Nunavut.
Yukon's minimum wage is $10.54, while Manitoba's is $10.45. Nova Scotia is raising its minimum wage to $10.40, effective April 1.
