The committee tasked with setting the minimum wage has proposed to raise the rate to $15/hour six months sooner than planned.

In its annual review the Nova Scotia Minimum Wage Review Committee recommends reaching the $15/hour mark by November of 2023.

It also proposes tying future increases to the national consumer price index plus one percent.

By using CPI plus one percent the committee is attempting to ensure minimum wages keep pace with inflation.

When the rate of inflation goes up quicker than CPI it means those on minimum wage make less money even though they’re paid the same wage.

During a press availability following Thursdays cabinet meeting, Premier Tim Houston thanked the committee for their work and said government will take that recommendation into the communities to see if it meets the needs of minimum wage workers and allows employers to prepared for the increase.

The committee is recommending the current minimum wage of $13.60 be increased by 90 cents to $14.50 on April 1 and will hit $15 with a 50-cent increase October 1.

According to the report, most minimum wage employees work in the retail and hospitality sectors accounting for seven percent of Nova Scotia’s workforce or 28,500 people.

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