For the first time in 10 years, the New Brunswick government will seek public feedback on the minimum wage.
Consultations are being held with organizations, employers and workers to get thoughts on the issue and how it affects them.
“It is important to government that New Brunswick’s minimum wage supports workers, while recognizing the economic realities facing employers,” said Labour Minister Alyson Townsend.
“We know affordability is a critical issue for many New Brunswickers, and government has taken steps to ease the burden. I can’t stress enough how important it is that people take the time to participate.”
According to a government release, the Department of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour will look at the minimum wage amount, how it’s determined and the timeline for any changes to it.
It must also consider the socio-economic effects of minimum wage including how much the basic necessities of life cost in New Brunswick.
The minimum wage is currently $15.90 per hour, and it’s updated every April 1 based on the province’s consumer price index.
Feedback is being sought in response to the following engagement questions:
- In New Brunswick, the minimum wage is updated every year based on the change in the cost of buying basic items needed for living, measured by the all-items New Brunswick consumer price index published by Statistics Canada. Do you support using this method to update the minimum wage?
- On April 1, 2026, the minimum wage rate increased by 25 cents per hour to $15.90 per hour. What is your opinion of this rate?
- What kind of impact do you believe the minimum wage has on New Brunswick’s economy?
- Do you believe a person working full time at minimum wage can afford basic necessities in New Brunswick, including housing, food, transportation and other essential expenses?
- Should the minimum wage rates of the other Atlantic provinces be part of the decision-making process for the minimum wage in New Brunswick?
- In New Brunswick, the minimum overtime rate is 1½ times the minimum wage, or $23.85 per hour, as of April 2026. The minimum overtime rate must be paid for hours worked beyond 44 in one week.
o What are your thoughts on the current minimum overtime rate of $23.85 per hour in New Brunswick?
o Should government consider ways of deciding on the minimum overtime rate, such as setting it at 1½ times the employee’s regular wage?
Feedback can be submitted through an online form, by emailing labourtravail@gnb.ca or by phone at 1-844-453-4155.
Townsend encouraged people to participate in the consultations.
“It’s important to have a voice in this discussion,” she said.
The consultations are set to run until Oct. 9.
