NDP promises phased-in $15 per hour minimum wage, support for small businesses

NDP leader Ryan Meili was busy Thanksgiving Sunday, committing- if elected- to a raised minimum wage for Saskatchewan residents.

Meili was joined by small business owner Bryn Rawlyk and student Karley Evans in Saskatoon, promising a $15 per hour minimum wage.

“On October 1, Scott Moe raised the minimum wage by just 13 cents, a raise that still leaves us with the lowest minimum wage in the country. That’s a slap in the face for families in Saskatchewan who are already stretched and stressed,” Meili said outside of the Night Oven Bakery on 1st Avenue North.

Meili explained that the NDP would phase in the increased minimum wage over the first term of an NDP government, along with a job creators’ plan to support local small businesses adjusting to the higher wage.

In addition, small businesses in retail, accommodation, food services, agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting would be eligible for a monthly rebate. It would be for an amount equal to 25 per cent of the cumulative increase in the minimum wage, times the number of minimum wage hours paid to employees.

Rebates start at 26.25 cents per employee hour at $12.50 in 2021-22, to 88.75 cents per employee hour at $15 in 2024-25.

Businesses must have been eligible for the small business tax rate in the previous year and reported a taxable income of less than $200,000. It must also maintain an employee payroll account.

Owner-employed businesses without employees would not be eligible.

In addition, the NDP economic recovery plan includes working with small businesses and industry representatives on a “Buy Saskatchewan” province-wide campaign, implementing a “Sask-First” procurement policy and developing “Renew Saskatchewan” to create jobs in green energy.

The Saskatchewan Party doesn’t have announcements scheduled for Sunday or Monday.