Image: Service, retail, and other minimum wage workers are getting a wage increase in a few months. / File / Oksana Krasiuk | Dreamstime

By Alyssa Conti

MINIMUM WAGE UP

B.C. government increasing minimum wage by 2.6 per cent in summer

Feb 14, 2025 | 9:00 AM

VICTORIA — The lowest-paid workers across B.C. are getting higher paychecks in June as the province raises the minimum wage from $17.40 to $17.85.

“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.”

The change will also apply to residential caretakers, live-in home support workers, camp leaders, and app-based ride-hailing and delivery service workers to keep pace with inflation.

On December 31st, the minimum piece rates for 15 hand-harvested crops will increase by 2.6 per cent. Agriculture piece rates increase at the end of the year, so crop producers do not have to adjust wages in the middle of the harvesting season.

“When my employees are paid a fair minimum wage, they feel appreciated and that translates into a more positive work environment,” said Philip Aguirre, owner of Old Surrey Restaurant. “It also leads to higher efficiency and lower turnover, two things every business owner strives for.”

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The change follows the updated Employment Standards Act, which mandates annual wage increases. The minimum wage in B.C. has increased by 71 per cent since 2015, when it was $10.45.