On December 21st, the Quebec Minister of Labour, Lise
Thériault, announced an upcoming increase to the minimum
wage. As of May 1st, 2011, the minimum wage currently set at $9.50
per hour shall be increased to $9.65. The hourly wage of employees
receiving tips shall be increased by $0.10 per hour, bringing it to
$8.35. As a result of this increase, Quebec's minimum wage
rate is amongst one of the highest in the Canadian provinces.
The Minister also announced certain modifications to the
remuneration of agricultural workers. For additional information,
consult the Ministry website www.travail.gouv.qc.ca.
It is important to remember that the minimum wage is governed by
the Labour Standards Act
(the LSA) and the Regulation Respecting Labour
Standards. An employee covered by the LSA is
entitled to receive wages that are at least equal to the minimum
wage for each hour worked, including training, initiation and trial
periods. Moreover, the minimum wage must be paid in
