The issues with Saskatchewan's minimum wage by Rory Logan

  

Saskatchewan is seen as a thriving community, but not everyone sees the hardships the lower/middle class go through every day. In Saskatchewan, we have a crippling problem which is the minimum wage. It is way too low for anyone to make a living on a minimum-wage job. The low minimum wage in Saskatchewan is causing nearly 10 percent of the citizens to fall below the poverty line. (Statista) Raising the minimum wage would create many more opportunities for those struggling with the hardships of life.

Over the past 10 years, the minimum wage in Saskatchewan has increased by an average of 30 cents a year. (wage rates) The cost of living went up 6.7% last year alone. Are 30 cents really enough to cover that? No. Unless you're making more than minimum wage. These stats need to see a change for the better so we have hope to lead a brighter future with extra money to save. 

Stores continue to raise prices, but never wages. This needs to change. In order to have a thriving economy we must have everyone working together, and that’s only possible if we are making enough to support ourselves. Stores may fight this idea as they do not want to pay their employees more money, but in the long run, this will help them as well. Only if we work together can we build a strong economy to become the strongest province possible. 

Saskatchewan needs a strong economy. But more than that we need fair wages for all members of our province. Only together can we create fair pay for everyone in our province. With this, we will be a stronger happier province with more life and joy in our lives. Instead of simply living we will thrive and enjoy our lives. We’ll stress overdue bills no longer and simply be free to enjoy ourselves. 

Works Cited

Jeudy, L. (2022, September 23). Low income population percentage in Saskatchewan. Statista. Retrieved January 20, 2023, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/583118/low-income-population-percentage-saskatchewan/ 

Employment standards. Government of Saskatchewan. (n.d.). Retrieved January 20, 2023, from https://www.saskatchewan.ca/business/employment-standards/payment-of-wages-and-payroll-administration/minimum-wage-and-reporting-for-duty-pay#:~:text=Effective%20October%201%2C%202022%2C%20the,will%20be%20%2414.00%20per%20hour. 

General hourly minimum wage rates in Canada since 1965. General Hourly Minimum Wage Rates in Canada since 1965 - Canada.ca. (2017, August 24). Retrieved January 20, 2023, from https://srv116.services.gc.ca/dimt-wid/sm-mw/rpt2.aspx