New Brunswick Considers Minimum Wage Reform Amid Calls for Higher Living Wage

The government of New Brunswick is seeking public input on its minimum wage policy through an online survey and written submissions. The consultation, which will continue until October 9th, aims to gather opinions on the current $15.90 hourly rate, how it's calculated, and its effects on the economy.

New Brunswick has the third-lowest minimum wage in Canada, ahead of Alberta and Saskatchewan. However, this is still higher than other provinces in Atlantic Canada, with rates ranging from $16.35 to $17 per hour.

The province's labour standards also include an unusual overtime policy that allows employers to calculate pay at 1.5 times the minimum wage, rather than the worker's regular rate. This means a worker earning below the minimum overtime rate could be required to work extra hours for just $23.85 per hour.

A report by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives found that in 2024, over one-third of workers in New Brunswick earned no more than $20 per hour, with most being permanent and full-time employees.