Thursday, December 18, 2025
ADVT 
National

B.C. minimum wage increases by 45 cents per hour starting June 1

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 14 Feb, 2025 12:43 PM
  • B.C. minimum wage increases by 45 cents per hour starting June 1

The British Columbia government says the province's lowest-paid workers are getting a wage boost to keep pace with inflation.

The Ministry of Labour says the minimum wage will increase from $17.40 to $17.85 per hour starting in June.

It says the 2.6 per cent increase follows changes made last spring to the Employment Standards Act, which mandated yearly wage rises.

Labour Minister Jennifer Whiteside says those adjustments were made last year because minimum-wage workers are most vulnerable to jumps in prices for living expenses like groceries, rent and gas.

The province says the changes align with government priorities to help lift more people out of poverty, make life more affordable, and build a strong and fair economy for B.C.

It says minimum wage rates increase on June 1 each year, except for the minimum agricultural piece rates that increase on Dec. 31 to ensure crop producers will not have to adjust wages in the middle of the harvesting season.

MORE National ARTICLES

Canada slaps retaliatory tariffs on hundreds of U.S. goods, outlines response plan

Canada slaps retaliatory tariffs on hundreds of U.S. goods, outlines response plan
Ottawa is imposing 25 per cent tariffs on hundreds of goods originating in the United States — from meat and milk to carpets and curtains — in response to steep new American levies against Canada. A federal official also signalled that Canada will pursue available legal remedies in response to the U.S. breaching its international trade commitments.

Canada slaps retaliatory tariffs on hundreds of U.S. goods, outlines response plan

Employment Outlook 2025: Opportunities and Challenges in BC and Canada

Employment Outlook 2025: Opportunities and Challenges in BC and Canada
The employment landscape in British Columbia (BC) and Canada is undergoing dynamic transformations shaped by economic shifts, evolving labor market demands, and demographic changes. As we move into 2025, a comprehensive outlook reveals both opportunities and challenges for job seekers, particularly for immigrants, underrepresented groups, and youth entering the workforce.  

Employment Outlook 2025: Opportunities and Challenges in BC and Canada

Ottawa defers effective date of capital gains changes to 2026, promises exemptions

Ottawa defers effective date of capital gains changes to 2026, promises exemptions
The federal government says it is deferring the implementation of a hike to the capital gains inclusion rate to next year and plans to introduce new exemptions to ensure most middle-class Canadians do not pay more tax if the rate becomes official. The deferral announced by Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc on Friday delays the implementation of the change from June 25, 2024 to Jan. 1, 2026.

Ottawa defers effective date of capital gains changes to 2026, promises exemptions

Surrey mayor joins alliance of border communities ahead of possible tariffs

Surrey mayor joins alliance of border communities ahead of possible tariffs
Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke said potential U.S. tariffs would put hundreds of jobs in her community at risk, as she became the latest mayor to join an alliance advocating for Canadian border communities. Locke said Thursday that more than 20 per cent of businesses in Surrey have direct trade ties with the United States amounting to roughly $2.8 billion in cross-border commerce each year.

Surrey mayor joins alliance of border communities ahead of possible tariffs

Wendy Cocchia sworn in as B.C.'s 31st lieutenant-governor

Wendy Cocchia sworn in as B.C.'s 31st lieutenant-governor
Premier David Eby has introduced British Columbia's new lieutenant-governor, saying Wendy Cocchia's lifelong leadership and dedication to community service sets an example for everyone. Cocchia, a longtime businesswoman and philanthropist, was sworn in at a ceremony at B.C.'s Parliament buildings on Thursday before an audience of family, friends, Indigenous leaders, members of the legislature and other dignitaries.

Wendy Cocchia sworn in as B.C.'s 31st lieutenant-governor

Avalanche warning issued for BC

Avalanche warning issued for BC
Avalanche Canada is warning anyone planning to head into British Columbia's backcountry that incoming winter weather is expected to bring a "major increase in avalanche danger."

Avalanche warning issued for BC