NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR has one of the lowest minimum wages in Canada, at $12.15 per hour. Fewer than 6 per cent of Canadians live in jurisdictions with a lower minimum wage. Common Front NL is calling on the province to adopt a $15 per hour minimum wage, in line with other jurisdictions that are moving forward on minimum wages, including Alberta, B.C., and Ontario, representing more than two thirds of Canadians.

30% of our labour force earn $15 an hour or less and women are disproportionately represented, comprising two-thirds of that group. A $15 minimum wage is a concrete way to help reduce growing inequality, the rise of precarious work, and help move families and individuals out of poverty. It will also put more money in the pockets of working people that will be spent in the local economy.