BC is bumping up the minimum wage by 2.6% as of June 1st to keep the province’s lowest paid workers earnings in line with the annual inflation rate.
This means that minimum wage workers will go from making $17.40 per hour to $17.85 per hour.
The annual increase of minimum wages takes place in June every year in accordance with the changes made to the Employment Standards Act in spring 2024.
“Minimum wage earners are vulnerable to jumps in the price of groceries, rent and gas,” said Jennifer Whiteside, Minister of Labour.
“That’s why we took action last year to ensure the minimum wage keeps up with the cost of living so workers don’t fall further behind.”
In addition to the minimum wage going up, some minimum wage crop harvesters will also see a 2.6% increase in their wages, but not until December 31st, so the increase won’t take place in the middle of harvest season.
The increases are meant to help people struggling with payments be able to have a slightly easier time affording their cost-of-living.
“Making minimum wage, I know how important this increase is for workers,” said Olivia Brand, who works at the Burquitlam Liquor Store in Coquitlam.
“It’s vital for government to continue to raise the minimum wage in line with inflation because it helps workers like me cover everyday expenses more easily and it shows us our hard work is valued.”
Currently, the Canadian national minimum wage is $17.30 per hour which was increased in April of last year.
Historically, minimum wage increases in British Columbia have not always taken place on an annual basis.
In 2001, the minimum wage was $8 per hour in BC, and did not increase until 2011, when it was bumped to $8.75 per hour, then to $9.50 per hour.
In 2012, minimum wage was increased to $10.25 per hour and was not bumped up again until 2015, when it became $10.45 per hour.
Between 2016 and 2025, the minimum wage increases are as follows:
- 2016: $10.85
- 2017: $11.35
- 2018: $12.65
- 2019: $13.85
- 2020: $14.60
- 2021: $15.20
- 2022: $15.65
- 2023: $16.75
- 2024: $17.40
- June 1st, 2025: $17.85
As of the beginning of 2025, there are only two provinces/territories whose minimum wage workers make more than BC’s.
In Nunavut, minimum wage employees make $19 per hour and in Yukon, they make $17.59 per hour.
