Effective April 1, 2022, the Yukon’s minimum wage will increase from $15.20 to $15.70 per hour. This increase is based on the 2021 Consumer Price Index for Whitehorse, which is 3.3 per cent.
The Fair Wage paid to people working on government-tendered construction contracts will increase April 1, 2022, by 3.3 per cent across all four wage categories.
The rise in inflation is increasing costs of everyday life for all Yukoners. This increase will help people earning minimum wage to afford necessities. It will also help businesses attract and retain employees.
The increase to minimum wage is an element of the Confidence and Supply Agreement and supported by both the Yukon Liberal caucus and the Yukon NDP caucus.
This increase aligns with other jurisdictions that have already raised their hourly minimum wage above $15. British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario and Nunavut all have minimum wages at or above $15 per hour.
The Northwest Territories raised its minimum wage to $15.20 an hour on September 1, 2021, and the Government of Canada raised the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour, effective December 29, 2021.
On April 1, 2021, the minimum wage in the Yukon rose from $13.71 to $13.85 per hour. On August 1, 2021, it was increased to $15.20 per hour.
The Confidence and Supply Agreement (CASA) was signed by the Liberal and NDP caucuses on April 28, 2021. It is in effect until January 31, 2023.
Employees and employers who have questions about the increase can contact the Employment Standards Office at 867-667-5944 or eso@yukon.ca.
Renée Francoeur
Cabinet Communications
867-334-9194
renee.francoeur@yukon.ca
Bonnie Venton-Ross
Communications, Community Services
867-332-5513
bonnie.ventonross@yukon.ca