How much is the minimum wage in BC? Minimum wage applies to all employees regardless of how they are paid-hourly, salary, straight or partial commission basis or other incentive basis. As of November 1, 2011, the second of a three-stage increase in the minimum wage in British Columbia to $9.50 per hour took effect. At the same time, the new minimum wage rate of $8.75 per hour took effect for employees who serve liquor directly to customers in premises licensed to sell liquor under the Liquor Control and Licensing Act.
The third increase that will bring the general minimum wage to $10.25 per hour and the liquor-server wage to $9.00 per hour is due to take effect on May 1, 2012.
It should also be noted that effective May 1, 2011, the First Job Wage, colloquially referred to as the “training wage,” was repealed and all hourly-paid employees are now entitled to the general minimum wage, regardless of how long they have been engaged in the paid labour force.
Proportionate to the increases in the minimum wage rate, the British Columbia government also increased the non-hourly rates paid to live-in home support workers, live-in camp leaders and resident caretakers and also raised the piece rates for hand-harvested crops.
For more details on minimum wage changes please see the B.C. government’s website or contact us.
