B.C.’s minimum wage increase will put further strain on already-struggling local businesses, according to the Cranbrook Chamber of Commerce.
This comes as B.C.’s minimum wage increased from $16.75 to $17.40 per hour as of June 1.
Chamber Executive Director, Helen Barron, said it is a relatively large increase for some businesses.
“This is coming in on the heels of mandatory paid sick leave and a new stat holiday,” said Barron.
“When you combine it with all of the increased costs of doing business, whether it’s from the rate of crime, implementing security measures, the increased costs of goods, et cetera, I think it’s getting to the point of being unbearable.”
Barron said healthy businesses will go on to support their community.
“Businesses that are thriving will donate to local sports teams, events and charities. It’s just really disappointing to see yet another burden onto the others that businesses are trying to carry,” said Barron.
The chamber is doing what it can to advocate on behalf of local businesses.
“We’re asking different levels of government to decrease financial burdens on businesses and look at other ways to compensate for the increased cost of living,” said Barron.
“We understand that employees also need to keep up with the cost of living, but it’s always being downloaded onto businesses.”
B.C. has introduced regular gradual increases to the province’s minimum wage based on the annual rate of inflation.
Barron hopes the government will do more to cut costs for businesses.
“We are always looking for ways to make things easier, but I think at the end of the day, It’s really on the government to understand how they can reduce the burden to businesses,” said Barron.
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