Ward believes Common Front's recommendations would mean the most to women and mothers working low-income jobs. About 20,000 people, or six per cent of the New Brunswick workforce, are paid the minimum wage, which currently stands at $11.75/hr, the lowest of all Atlantic Canada provinces. The provincial minimum wage, which is tied to the consumer price index, is higher than only one province in the country, Saskatchewan, which is set to raise its minimum wage to $11.81 in October. "We've had a lot of conversations about the importance of essential workers during this pandemic," said Abram Lutes, Common Front provincial coordinator. "I represent, I think, the poorest riding in the province in terms of median income, [with] lots of shop workers, lots of manufacturer workers.

Source: CBC News July 18, 2021 10:52 UTC