BC Minimum Wage Increasing to $17.85 in June and Government Signals Restrictions on Requiring Doctor’s Notes

The minimum wage in British Columbia, Canada will increase from $17.40 to $17.85 an hour on June 1, 2025. This 2.6% increase is in line with the average annual inflation rate over the past year and reflects the government’s commitment to tying annual minimum wage increases to inflation. It is expected that this increase will raise wages for the 100,000 plus workers earning the minimum wage, including food service staff, grocery store workers, retail and hospitality workers.

The minimum wage in British Columbia has gradually increased from $10.45 per hour in 2015 to the highest amongst the 10 provinces.

To be adjust for such a significant increase, some employers with high labour costs paying the minimum wage may need to review their own pricing and plan for increases to cover higher wage costs. Employers planning job postings for summer seasonal hires, many of which are traditionally are paid at the minimum wage, will need to update the posted wage rate. As well, employers with employees earning the minimum wage will need to review the wages of supervisors, skilled workers and more senior employees to ensure that their wages are still competitive and offer a sufficient increment from the higher minimum wage.

In a separate announcement, the BC Government announced its intention to impose limits on the right of employers to require doctor’s notes for short term absences. The Government introduced amendments to the Employment Standards Act that will allow it to issue regulations setting such limits. The Government is promising to consult with employer and employee organizations before finalizing the new rules. Although no details of the limits were announced, it is anticipated the regulations will preclude employers from requesting doctors’ notes for short term sick leaves lasting only a few days.

This change follows the lead of Ontario and Quebec, who have passed similar rules and responds to pressure from family doctors who complain that the large number of appointments and time spent completing sick notes takes time away from providing patient care.

If you want more information on this topic, you can contact us at:

Geoffrey Howard:       ghoward@howardlaw.ca

604 424-9686

Sebastian Chern:        schern@howardlaw.ca

604 424-9688