The new NDP government’s cautious, go-slow approach on implementing the $15 minimum wage is not likely to win favour from anyone.
Workers will be less than thrilled at having to wait another four years to see the full roll out of the wage hike, while the B.C. Chamber of Commerce has already said the hike will hurt the economy and should be done even more slowly.
Many economists are saying the extra dough paid to workers will be spent in the marketplace and thereby benefit local stores. On the other hand, small businesses say their margins are already tight and they will have to lay off workers.
Alberta is hiking its minimum wage to $15 per hour next year and Ontario plans to boost it to $15 by 2019. B.C. would then be a laggard in this area.
Truth be told, a higher minimum wage is just one of many challenges faced by businesses today, including the rise of online shopping, requiring nimble footing by all.
