Amid rising inflation, the westernmost province of Canada “British Columbia” is set to increase its hourly wage from June, 2024. The hourly wages in BC are going to increase from $16.75 to $17.40. As cost-of-living continues to increase it was an important step taken by the Colombian government to support their citizens. Let’s dive into the details on minimum wage increase in British Columbia in the article below.
BC Minimum Wage Increase Confirmed 2024
The current minimum hourly wage in British Columbia is $17.40. Since 2018, the hourly wage in British Columbia has been increasing every June.
Inflation is increasing day-by-day and workers of BC with fixed salaries are under a lot of financial pressure. Hundreds and thousands of workers in the BC province were getting affected by the wage floor. Due to which, British Columbia has again decided to increase its minimum hour wage for the year 2024 to provide some financial support to the citizens of the province. Around 5.4 million Canadians live in British Columbia and after this increment in the minimum hour wage has made the province the highest paid in the country.
The below article includes all the details related to the minimum wage increase in British Columbia and how it affected employers as well as employees.
Highlights of BC Minimum Hourly Wage Increase 2024
| Title | BC Minimum Hourly Wage Increase 2024 |
| Country | Canada |
| Province | British Columbia |
| Increased Amount of Hourly Wage | $17.40 |
| Date of Increase | June 1, 2024 |
| Post Category | Finance |
| Official Website | https://www.canada.ca/ |
History of Minimum Hourly Wage in British Columbia since 2017
The below table shows the increase in the hourly wages in British Columbia since 2017.
| Year | Minimum Hourly Wages |
| September 15, 2017 | $11.35 per hour |
| June 1, 2018 | $12.65 per hour |
| June 1, 2019 | $13.85 per hour |
| June 1, 2020 | $14.60 per hour |
| June 1, 2021 | $15.20 per hour |
| June 1, 2022 | $15.65 per hour |
| June 1, 2023 | $16.75 per hour |
| June 1, 2024 | $17.40 per hour |
Impact of increase in hourly minimum wages on workers and businesses
Everything has two sides, pros and cons. Similarly, the impact of hourly wages will also play a different role for workers and businesses. It’s good news for the workers as the hourly wage has increased again in 2024 in British Columbia. On the other hand it has affected the businesses specially to the small and medium sized businesses.
- Impact on Workers- The workers of British Columbia will be able to enhance their quality of living. As due to this increase, they will be able to save more. The increase in the hourly wage will play a positive role in their lives.
- Impact on Businesses- On the other hand, the increase in the hourly wages will lead to a domino effect on the businesses, specially on small and medium sized businesses. As it will lead to an increase in the operating expenses for firms. It will result in high prices of goods and services. It can also lead to layoffs, decreased employment and less working hours.
British Columbia Wage Exceptions and Rules
There are some jobs in BC that pay a different amount from the actual wage rate. Some of them are mentioned below:
- Live-in Camp Leaders- This job pays the workers at a daily rate of $133.69 since June, 2023.
- Live-in Home Support Workers- Such workers are getting paid daily at a rate of $124.73.
- Resident Caretakers- People who take care of buildings are getting paid $1,002.53 monthly.
Other Standard Working Rules
The other standard working rules include-
- The working hours in British Columbia are typically 8 hours per day and 40 hours a week. If a worker is working in a different consensus, then their work hours may differ.
- If a worker is working for more than 2 hours a day, then they will be paid double.
- Each employee must get at least consecutive 32 hours free from work in a row. If they work at that time, then they will be paid more.
Minimum Wage Tax Rate in British Columbia
The below table shows the tax rates of several incomes in British Columbia:
| B.C. Income Tax Rate 2024 | Tax Rate 2024 | B.C. Income Tax Rate 2023 | Tax Rate 2023 |
| Up to $47,937 | 5.06% | Up to $45,654 | 5.06% |
| $47,938 to $95,875 | 7.70% | $45,655 to $91,310 | 7.70% |
| $95,876 to $110,076 | 10.50% | $91,311 to $104,835 | 10.50% |
| $110,077 to $133,664 | 12.29% | $104,836 to $127,299 | 12.29% |
| $133,665 to $181,232 | 14.70% | $127,300 to $172,602 | 14.70% |
| $181,233 to $252,752 | 16.80% | $172,603 to $240,716 | 16.80% |
| $252,752 and over | 20.5% | $240,717 and over | 20.5% |
| Home Page | https://www.easthamptonchamber.com/ |
FAQs of BC Minimum Hourly Wage in 2024
There is an increase in the hourly wage of British Columbia because of rising inflation and high cost-of-living. Workers were suffering due to higher expenses and low hourly wages. So, the BC government decided to make an increase in the hourly wage in 2024.
The hourly wage in British Columbia has been increased from $16.75 to $17.40, which will come into effect from June 1, 2024.
The province, Saskatchewan comes in the category of providing the lowest minimum wage in Canada. Its hourly minimum wage is $14.00 in 2024.
Riya Claire is the Editor-in-Chief of the East Hampton Chamber Portal. She holds a degree in Mass Communication, an MBA in Finance, and a diploma in HR, making her a versatile professional for an online portal