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The minimum wage rate in the Northwest Territories is now adjusted annually on September 1 using a formula based on the percentage change in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for Yellowknife and the percentage change in the average hourly wage (AHW) in the NWT for the preceding calendar year. This change was announced in 2022.
This means that by August 1 each year, the GNWT announces any changes to the NWT minimum wage that will come into effect on September 1.
Have Your Say
It is important for the Government of the Northwest Territories to hear regularly from residents – including employees and employers - on the impacts of changes to the minimum wage rate.
We will seek feedback through a public survey every year.
If you require assistance to complete the survey, please contact us at:
Email: employment_standards@gov.nt.ca
Phone: 1-888-700-5707
Background
The shift to annual formula-based adjustments is intended to:
keep up with the increasing costs for NWT residents
keep up with other jurisdictions’ minimum wage rates
enable businesses to better plan for increases to the minimum wage rate
help ensure the lowest earners receive a pay raise each year
increase transparency in government decision-making
On September 1, 2023, the minimum wage rate in the Northwest Territories increased by $0.85, from $15.20 to $16.05 per hour.
The Minister of Education, Culture and Employment has the authority to determine and prescribe the minimum wage rate in the NWT, in accordance with the Employment Standards Act and Regulations.
Next Steps
Once the engagement ends, the Department of Education, Culture and Employment will review feedback and publish a summary of results.
The results will help the Department of Education, Culture and Employment better understand the impacts of the annual adjustments to the minimum wage over the coming years as the formula is used.
The minimum wage rate in the Northwest Territories is now adjusted annually on September 1 using a formula based on the percentage change in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for Yellowknife and the percentage change in the average hourly wage (AHW) in the NWT for the preceding calendar year. This change was announced in 2022.
This means that by August 1 each year, the GNWT announces any changes to the NWT minimum wage that will come into effect on September 1.
Have Your Say
It is important for the Government of the Northwest Territories to hear regularly from residents – including employees and employers - on the impacts of changes to the minimum wage rate.
We will seek feedback through a public survey every year.
If you require assistance to complete the survey, please contact us at:
Email: employment_standards@gov.nt.ca
Phone: 1-888-700-5707
Background
The shift to annual formula-based adjustments is intended to:
keep up with the increasing costs for NWT residents
keep up with other jurisdictions’ minimum wage rates
enable businesses to better plan for increases to the minimum wage rate
help ensure the lowest earners receive a pay raise each year
increase transparency in government decision-making
On September 1, 2023, the minimum wage rate in the Northwest Territories increased by $0.85, from $15.20 to $16.05 per hour.
The Minister of Education, Culture and Employment has the authority to determine and prescribe the minimum wage rate in the NWT, in accordance with the Employment Standards Act and Regulations.
Next Steps
Once the engagement ends, the Department of Education, Culture and Employment will review feedback and publish a summary of results.
The results will help the Department of Education, Culture and Employment better understand the impacts of the annual adjustments to the minimum wage over the coming years as the formula is used.
The Department of Education, Culture and Employment invites you to take a short survey on the minimum wage rate in the Northwest Territories. This survey will take approximately five minutes. Your identity will be kept anonymous. General results of the survey will be reported on annually.
From 2013 to 2022, a Minimum Wage Committee, made up of business, labour and community organizations in the NWT, conducted reviews of the minimum wage every two years. The Committee produced reports in 2014, 2017 and 2020, and over that time the minimum wage increased from $10.00 to $15.20 per hour.
In 2022, the department announced changes to the way the minimum wage is determined.
Now the minimum wage is adjusted annually using a formula based on the percentage change in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for Yellowknife and the percentage change in the average hourly wage (AHW) in the NWT for the preceding calendar year.
On September 1, 2023, the minimum wage rate in the Northwest Territories increased by $0.85, from $15.20 to $16.05 per hour, with the new formula.
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Status
Open
Minimum Wage Annual Survey has finished this stage
This engagement was open from January 3 to January 31, 2024.
Under Review
Minimum Wage Annual Survey is currently at this stage
Completed
this is an upcoming stage for Minimum Wage Annual Survey
