After the province announced minimum wage increase on Friday, the PG Chamber of Commerce feels it’s a catch-22.
Executive Director Neil Godbout says the increase no doubt helps employees as cost of living and other issues persist, but notes small businesses, particularly ones hiring for entry level jobs, could face the impacts.
“We would hope that the provincial government, particularly in this time with tariff threats and other forces squeezing businesses, especially small business, that the provincial government is then doing some corresponding to support those businesses.”
Godbout says it’s too soon to tell what kind of impacts will be had along with the potential tariffs, but are seeing a visceral reaction by consumers who are wanting to support local.
While the tariff issues and minimum wage increase have some connections, he says the tariff response needs to be separate, so the provincial and federal governments provide support and relief needed.
The minimum wage will make a 45-cent jump to $17.85 an hour, starting June 1st.
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