Balancing that budget, which includes a $1.84-billion deficit and a projected $16.4-billion net debt, is a "laudable aim," said the NDP leader.

Community members gave mixed reactions to the Saskatchewan NDP's promise to raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour if elected.

The Saskatchewan Federation of Labour called the new minimum wage an embarrassment, saying the rate is not enough to help families get through the coronavirus pandemic.

On Oct. 1, the province said, the minimum wage will increase by 25 cents, rising to $11.90 an hour from $11.65.

A living wage is calculated as the hourly rate at which a household can meet its basic needs once benefits are added and all deductions are subtracted.

"This report clearly shows that workers earning minimum wage are just not earning enough to make ends meet, even with full-time hours," said Jesse Hajer, one of the study's authors in a news release.

Saskatchewan's minimum wage will increase by 13 cents in October.

The B.C. government announced a series of minimum wage increases in 2018 and the June 1st wage boost goes up 75 cents per hour to $14.60.

'We have established predictable minimum wage increases to benefit both employers and employees,' said provincial labour minister Trevor Holder.

Raising the minimum wage by just one dollar can have a significant effect on some people's risk of suicide, according to a new study.