Quebec's Minimum Wage Will Increase On May 1

The minimum hourly wage in Quebec, which currently sits at $15.25, will increase by $0.50 on May 1, 2024, to $15.75.

The announcement was made by Quebec's Labour Minister Jean Boulet, who said that the decision was based on economic uncertainties within the retail and restaurant sectors, per CTV News.

Boulet said that over 200,000 workers will benefit from the increase, over 100,000 of which are women.

“Raising wages substantially would have a negative effect and lead to serious pressure on employers, and cause closures in the retail and restaurant sectors … and could lead to harmful effects on the Quebec economy,” Boulet said.

The Quebec government indicated that it wants the minimum wage to remain at "50% of the median salary." Following the increase that will take effect on May 1, the minimum wage mark will reach 50.8% of the median salary across Quebec.

Boulet also touched on the current issues surrounding inflation, stating how the government has "made great efforts to protect the population against inflation," including one-time payments, lowering taxes and offering a handful of government benefits and credits to Canadians in need.

This article's cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.