Even though the New Democrats have tossed its deadline on increasing the minimum wage to $15/hour, Premier John Horgan is optimistic government can still make it happen on time.
At his Labour Day press conference, Horgan said the NDP is working with the Green Party by putting together the Fair Wage Commission which is planned to oversee the transition without harming businesses.
“I think when you look at other jurisdictions, Alberta, Ontario, they’re moving quickly to increase their minimum wage, British Columbia has to keep pace with that, we’re the fastest-growing economy in the country right now. Economic growth is expected to increase since February by about 0.6 per cent.”
WATCH: Will B.C. raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour?
Horgan says he is committed to raising the minimum wage and the government can’t leave people behind.
The government will increase the minimum wage next week, bumping it $0.50 to $11.35 – a promise by the BC Liberals the NDP carried out.
Earlier this week, Labour Minister Harry Bains said the party removed the deadline as a “compromise” with other parties.
Alberta will be the first province to reach the $15 rate next year and Ontario plans to reach the milestone by 2019.