Fredericton Chamber Applauds Provincial Government for Minimum Wage Decision

Fredericton Chamber Applauds Provincial Government for Minimum Wage Decision

For Immediate Release
July 20th, 2011

(Fredericton, NB) – The Fredericton Chamber of Commerce is applauding the provincial government for its decision to delay the next scheduled minimum wage increase by six months and continue to investigate the viability of introducing tip differential legislation in New Brunswick.

“We’re encouraged to learn that government is still exploring the possibility of introducing tip differential legislation in this province” said Andrew Steeves, President of the Fredericton Chamber of Commerce. “We understand that the Minimum Wage Board made a recommendation in favour of tip differentials in June, and we again urge Minister Coulombe to act on it. The flexibility to pay a slightly lower wage to employees who collect additional earnings through tips would provide many of our members in the food and beverage service sectors with much-needed relief.”

The Fredericton Chamber of Commerce is also pleased with the provincial government’s decision to delay its next scheduled minimum wage increase by six months. “We appreciate that our provincial government has recognized the burden that small- to medium-sized business have faced in meeting the previous three minimum wage increases. We’ve observed lower than usual levels of student employment this summer, and attribute this in part to the rising minimum wage in this province” said Andrew Steeves. “I’m confident that our members will welcome the government’s decision to provide them with an additional six months to plan for the increase to $10/hr.”

The Fredericton Chamber of Commerce has been actively advocating for a more phased approach to minimum wage policy since the provincial government first announced the plan to increase the minimum wage to $10/hr. Representatives of the Fredericton Chamber have discussed the issue with the Premier, the Ministers of Finance and Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour, and members of the local caucus.

With 900 members, the Fredericton Chamber of Commerce is one of Atlantic Canada’s largest chambers of commerce. A dynamic and relevant business organization, the Fredericton Chamber of Commerce is actively engaged in policy development that affects the competitiveness of our members and of the Canadian business environment.

-30-

Contact: Andrew Steeves, President, 451-9742.