Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the 40,000 people who signed my petition to raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour. They are sending this government a clear message: in 2016, it is shameful that people are working full time and still living in poverty.
How is that possible? The answer is simple. The minimum wage is too low. A non-unionized woman who works full time in a call centre in Montreal barely earns $21,500 a year. That is obviously not enough to meet basic needs. These workers have no choice but to turn to food banks to feed their families.
We, as a society, should be ashamed. Regardless of their age, education, or job, everyone deserves to earn enough money to live a decent life.
It is our duty, as members, to do something to really help the people in our ridings and regions. We need to raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour. The government must join the fight against poverty and inequality. It is a matter of respect, justice, and dignity.