March 16, 2023 – As part of its plan to increase minimum wage to $15 by October 2023, the Manitoba government is conducting an online survey to gain industry feedback on regulated wage rates for apprentices.

“Our government is focused on making life more affordable for Manitobans while ensuring businesses remain strong and continue to grow,” said Sarah Guillemard, Advanced Education and Training Minister.

“We look forward to hearing from industry stakeholders about the impacts of the upcoming minimum-wage increase. The feedback gathered will help to ensure apprentices earn a wage that is appropriate to their skilled trades program, and that employers who train them can continue to do so sustainably.”

In 2022, the Manitoba government announced its plan to increase minimum-wage to $15 by October 2023 using a phased-in approach that includes consultations with small businesses on the effects of the change.

Guillemard noted the upcoming increase to minimum-wage will have a direct impact on apprentices and industry employers, “as many regulated wage rates for apprentices are based on a percentage of the provincial minimum wage rate”.

The survey will gather feedback on current apprentice minimum-wage rate structures. All industry stakeholder groups including employers, journeypersons, union/labour representatives, association representatives, apprentices and sector committee members are invited to provide feedback.

The deadline to respond is March 17, 2023.