TERRACE, B.C. – June 4, 2025 – As of June 1, 2025, British Columbia’s general minimum wage has increased to $17.85 per hour, up from $17.40, positioning the province with the highest minimum wage in Canada. While the 2.6% increase aims to provide relief for low-income workers, it has also intensified discussions about overall affordability in the province.
The new general minimum wage applies to most employees, whether paid hourly, by salary, or commission. Specific roles have also seen adjustments:
- Liquor servers: Now earn $17.85 per hour, aligned with the general minimum wage.
- Live-in camp leaders: Daily rate increases to $142.61.
- Live-in home support workers: Daily rate is now $133.05.
- Resident caretakers: Monthly rates are $1,069.36 plus $42.84 per suite (for 9-60 suites) and $3,642.51 (for 61+ suites).
- Agricultural piece-rate workers: Will see a corresponding 2.6% increase, effective December 31, 2025.
This annual increase is part of B.C.’s ongoing schedule to help wages keep pace with inflation. However, many workers and advocates point to a widening gap between the minimum wage and the actual cost of living. For instance, the living wage in Metro Vancouver is currently estimated at $27.05 per hour.
A full-time employee working 35 hours a week at the new minimum wage of $17.85 would earn approximately $32,487 annually before taxes. This represents an $819 yearly increase from the previous rate. In contrast, a worker earning Metro Vancouver’s living wage would need to make over $49,000 annually to cover basic necessities like housing, food, and transportation. To match that living wage, a minimum-wage earner would need to work nearly 53 hours per week.
Organizations like Living Wage for Families BC continue to highlight that even with such increases, many full-time workers struggle to afford basic services. They advocate for policies that more accurately reflect real-world living expenses in British Columbia.
While the minimum wage hike offers some support, the broader conversation in B.C., including the Skeena region, remains focused on how to address the persistent challenges of affordability for all residents.
