The Government of Yukon is providing an update today to its commitment to increase the minimum wage to $15.20 an hour on August 1, 2021, and to subsequent annual increases tied to inflation. The government spoke to the commitment to increase the minimum wage in the Speech from the Throne on May 11, 2021.
The Employment Standards Board has now reviewed the proposed increase and has issued an order setting Yukon’s minimum wage at $15.20 an hour effective August 1, 2021. The order also states that the minimum wage will increase by the Consumer Price Index for Whitehorse every April 1. The government is now taking the necessary steps to have this increase in place for August 1, 2021.
The increase on August 1, 2021, and subsequent annual increases each April were first committed to in the April 2021 Confidence and Supply Agreement between the Yukon government and the Yukon NDP Caucus.
Our government committed to this increase to support healthy and vibrant communities in the Yukon. The Yukon’s economy is strong so it is a good time to make this change. By increasing minimum wage, we ensure Yukoners can afford the daily necessities and help employers attract and retain staff.
Minister of Community Services Richard Mostyn
We have been fighting for an increase to minimum wage for a long time and we’re so glad to finally see it coming into force. The pandemic has shown that minimum wage workers do essential work in our communities. They deserve to be able to make ends meet. No one should have a full-time job and still struggle to afford the basic necessities. This is an important step in the right direction.
Leader of the Yukon NDP Kate White
This increase aligns with other jurisdictions that have already raised their minimum wage above $15. British Columbia, Alberta and Nunavut all have minimum wages above $15 an hour.
The Northwest Territories will raise its minimum wage to $15.20 an hour on September 1 and the Government of Canada will raise the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour, effective December 29, 2021.
Yukon’s last minimum wage increase was on April 1, 2021. At the time, we raised the minimum wage from $13.71 to $13.85 per hour.
Employees and employers who have questions about the increase can contact the Employment Standards Office at 867-667-5944 or eso@yukon.ca.
Matthew Cameron
Cabinet Communications
867-332-0615
matthew.cameron@yukon.ca
Bonnie Venton-Ross
Communications, Community Services
867-332-5513
bonnie.ventonross@yukon.ca
Francois Picard
Yukon NDP Caucus
867-336-2025
francois.picard@yla.gov.yk.ca