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Higher wages will combat youth out-migration JENNIFER MCKENZIE May 23, 2018 Over the last few months, I have been talking to New Brunswickers across the provinc...e about the issues that are most important to them. The concerns raised most often are that our children and grandchildren are leaving to find work and the hole that is left behind in our family, our community, our economy and our hearts. What can we do to stop this trend? First, we can raise the minimum wage. By keeping our minimum wage low relative to other jurisdictions, we are simply encouraging youth to leave for higher wages elsewhere. New Brunswick already has the oldest and fastest aging population in the country, and with skyrocketing health-care costs and a shrinking workforce, this is not a recipe for success. The New Democratic Party will raise the minimum wage to $15 per hour over our first term, following in the footsteps of Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia and Quebec. This move, when combined with a package of labour reforms, will help curtail youth out-migration and remove the enormous stress of daily life for many working New Brunswickers who are not able to make ends meet. An NDP government would conduct a comprehensive review of employment standards in the province, making necessary changes to labour laws to protect workers from precarious employment where their hours are kept low to avoid paying benefits. Casual and part-time work adds enough stress to workers’ lives without the added burden of not having prescription or dental coverage or a pension plan. New Brunswick is unique among all the provinces in that it has the highest proportion of workers making below $15 per hour over 36 per cent of all workers make less than a living wage. If you live in a typical New Brunswick neighbourhood, chances are that one of your neighbours is struggling to pay their bills at the end of the month. As I and my team knock on doors, we encounter many people who are working their fingers to the bone, holding two or three jobs, working crazy shifts, and still can’t meet their basic financial obligations let alone save for their future. Even if they are not in dire circumstances themselves, many have family members or friends who are experiencing significant financial stress and they understand the need to raise the minimum wage. Working women are disproportionately represented in low paying precarious work typically 50 per cent more women than men. Low wages are bad for the economy. Low incomes depress economic activity and lower purchasing power and tax revenues. The Liberals say they have raised the minimum wage three times. But a nickel here and a quarter there doesn’t move an individual’s financial circumstances ahead, let alone feed a family. Our plan takes concrete action to fight growing income inequality and provides the leadership to increase standards for all workers. We cannot prosper and thrive in New Brunswick unless all of our workers can live on their wages. Other provinces are now moving to recognize the harm to all of society when we have too much income inequality. It’s time we did too. Without the youth and their enthusiastic participation in the economy, we are only continuing the downward spiral. The NDP is the only party with a plan to break that spiral. Isn’t it time to try the NDP approach? Jennifer McKenzie is leader of the New Brunswick New Democratic Party.

Il est temps pour le Nouveau-Brunswick d'avoir un salaire minimum à 15$/h, afin que personne n'ait à choisir entre faire l'épicerie ou payer son loyer. Ajoutez votre nom ici pour faire partie de cette cause importante : http://eepurl.com/du88m9

Today is International Workers' Day! New Democrats are the party of labour. Today and every day, we stand in solidarity with Canada's workers. #MayDay New D...emocrats are standing up for working-class Canadians and good-paying jobs. We are calling for a $15 minimum wage, pay equity, investment in good green jobs, and support for small businesses. See more