A minimum wage hike of 20 cents is not nearly enough.

That’s the Nova Scotia Federation of Labour’s response to the province’s planned hike, beginning in April.

President Danny Cavanagh says it won’t bridge the gap between poverty and a living wage.

“We know a lot of people can’t afford rent, groceries, medication or to heat their homes. Most are low wage earners in this province. We need to do something to help them,” said Cavanagh.

The federation wants the Minimum Wage Review Committee to introduce a ‘Living Wage Index.’

That would involve an annual review of the cost of living in Nova Scotia.

The province announced the planned increase on Wednesday.