Everyone understood that it wasn't a question of trying to change the minimum wage. It is the responsibility of the provinces to set the minimum wage based on economic and labour market conditions. The motion calls for the government to take into consideration the increase in the minimum wage in all provinces and to recognize that provinces have additional obligations towards employers who have to contend with varying minimum wage rates from one province to another. The fact remains that the minimum wage is much higher than it was in 2006. Since 2006, the average minimum wage in the country has increased by 6.6%. So then, we're asking the government to apply this to the budget allocated for Summer Jobs Canada. If it agrees to our request, an additional $7.1 million will be allocated, according to existing allocation criteria.
