Retail BC today took exception to Opposition calls for a hike to the minimum wage, preferring instead to support working British Columbians with continued tax relief and a competitive labour market.

“A 25% hike to the minimum wage rate is completely unnecessary in a competitive labour market where retailers are already paying staff over and above the $8 minimum wage,” said Mark Startup, president and CEO of Retail BC.

“Better to support working British Columbians through continued tax relief and a robust economy that pushes incomes upward.”

Startup noted that BC is experiencing acute labour shortages causing wage rates to rise above BC’s minimum wage rate, now ranked among the top in Canada.

“Considering that personal income taxes have been reduced by 25% since 2001, it’s overkill for the Opposition to rally behind a 25% hike to the minimum wage. British Columbians would be better served by continued personal and consumption tax cuts.”

Retail BC is the voice of over 3,000 retail companies within British Columbia. BC’s retail industry generates over $50 billion in sales and employs over 250,000 British Columbians.