Action needed in support of federal minimum wage bill

Raise the minimum wage, because in a just society no one working full time for a full year should find themselves in poverty.

Ottawa (15 Feb. 2007) – As the campaign to increase Ontario's minimum wage to $10 per hour gains momentum, similar efforts are being made at the federal level to re-establish a minimum wage.

In the fall of 2006, Peggy Nash, NDP MP for Parkdale High Park, introduced a bill to the House of Commons with the purpose of re-establishing a federal minimum wage at $10 per hour.

Nash said that 'it is time for the federal government to show leadership in the area of income security.'

Supporters of the bill are encouraged to download and sign a petition to the House of Commons (click here).

Federal Labour Standards Review recommendation

Following on the recent release of the Federal Labour Standards Review, which recommended establishing a national minimum wage, it is felt there is an opportunity for the successful passage of the bill.

The federal minimum wage was eliminated in 1996 under the Liberal government. Currently, provincial or territorial rates are what is used as federal minimum wage rates.

In their presentation to the review commission the Canadian Council for Social Development (CCSD) stressed the importance of a federal minimum wage and recommended the rate of $10 per hour. CCSD's brief stated that “Canada Labour Code's importance extends far beyond the numbers of workers covered… and can serve as a ‘best practice’ for labour standards across the country.”

Increase to minimum wage benefits communities

Advocates for establishing a federal minimum wage point out that it will mean more spending in our communities and that will benefit everyone. It is also hoped that a federal minimum wage set at $10 per hour will serve as an example to provincial and territorial governments.

Recently, Ontario MPP Cheri DiNovo, NDP member from Parkdale-High Park, introduced Bill 150 in the province's legislature to raise the minimum wage to $10 an hour.

“We need to send a message to provincial legislatures, like the one in Ontario,” said Nash.

“Raise the minimum wage, because in a just society no one working full time for a full year should find themselves in poverty.” NUPGE

More information:

• Fact sheet on C-375 Re-Establishing a Federal Minimum Wage