The Higgs government indexed minimum wage to the province’s consumer price index in 2019 to allow employers and employees to prepare for increases when they happen.

The province’s consumer price index grew by 7.3 per cent in 2022.

While a small hike of 5 cents per hour occurred in 2021 pushing it to $11.75, the minimum wage has jumped dramatically by $3 per hour in the last year.

On April 1st, minimum wage will rise to $14.75 per hour, the highest in Atlantic Canada.

“Our government has done significant work in terms of New Brunswick’s minimum wage from indexing adjustments to the consumer price index, to making a necessary course correction in 2022 to make us more competitive and improve the standard of living,” said Labour Minister Trevor Holder.

“We are incredibly proud to support New Brunswick residents through improvements to the minimum wage which has raised $3.50 per hour by our government.”

About 19,000 New Brunswickers earn minimum wage or about 5.7 percent of the workforce.