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‘$15 minimum wage increase is welcome but more needs to be done’, Halifax workers action centre

The Halifax Workers' Action Centre (WAC) are a non-profit seen walking the streets with a banner that says educate and agitate, there are about 30 people in the background. It is during the day during the summer.
The Halifax Workers' Action Centre (WAC) is calling on the Nova Scotia government to enact a $20 minimum wage and ensure that all future increases account for inflation, plus 1%. Photo contributed.
Sara Gouda - CKDU - Halifax • NS | 10-02-2023
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On Feb. 3, 2023, the Nova Scotia government approved a $15 minimum wage, which will come into effect on Oct.1, 2023, six months earlier than scheduled.

The province has also agreed to adjust the minimum wage annually based on the projected Consumer Price Index (CPI) percentage, plus an additional one percent, starting on Apr. 1, 2024.

The Halifax Workers’ Action Centre (WAC) is calling on the Nova Scotia government to enact a $20 minimum wage and ensure that all future increases account for inflation, plus 1%.

The institute, established in 2017, offers free legal information and support to low-wage, marginalized and non-unionized workers in Nova Scotia who are facing employment issues.

Photo of Lisa Cameron is the executive director of the Halifax Workers’ Action Centre seen smiling.

Lisa Cameron is the executive director of the Halifax Workers’ Action Centre.

“We have to recognize the achievement of a $15 minimum wage. I started in the labour movement with a group called Fight for $15 and fairness in 2017. And as a low-wage worker at the time, I do remember feeling like a $15 as the minimum wage was a bit of a dream. So I think for many members of the labour movement, this is a significant moment. But that being said, the cost of living has also been rising exponentially. $15 today, isn’t what it was back in 2017,” said Lisa Cameron, executive director of the Halifax Workers’ Action Centre.

According to the Canadian Centre of Policy Alternatives, a living wage is $23.50 per hour in Halifax, over $8 more than the approved minimum wage.

“To make ends meet in Halifax, the Halifax workers Action Centre alongside Justice for Workers is calling on the government to enact a $20 minimum wage, as well as ensure that all future increases to the provincial minimum wage account for inflation plus 1%. And that’s because we need to see all workers at least earning a living wage,” said Cameron.

Cameron said nearly 40 per cent of the workers at WAC are earning less than $30,000 a year.

“That is nowhere near what it costs to afford your basic necessities. We’re dealing with a group population that is quite vulnerable, and really facing the impacts of poverty. So our goal is to educate workers about their rights and to ultimately organize for positive change and push for policy improvements,” she added.

The Health Workers Action Centre has not received any response from the government.

“I think it’s a fine line of both recognizing the achievement and seeing it as somewhat of a partial victory. I hope that these conversations about increasing the minimum wage substantially will continue,” said Cameron.

Listen to the full interview below:

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