There is some good news for the province's minimum wage
earners. On International Workers Day (May 1), the minimum wage
increase took effect in Québec. The minimum hourly wage in
the province is now $9.90, an increase of 25 cents. The minimum
hourly wage for the employees who make tips was also increased by
20 cents to $8.55.
In the past five years, the minimum wage has jumped by 25%. This
hike surpasses the inflation rate for the same period. Indeed,
according to the Bank of Canada's official figures, the average
annual rate of inflation for 2007-2012 is 1.84%. Theoretically,
this means more money in the pockets of lower-income citizens.
However, the increase has some people concerned. According to
this news article, representatives of independent
businesses in Québec point out that the recent hike
implicitly puts pressure on the employers to increase the wages of
other workers who have been in their employ for a substantial
period of time. In turn, others say
