N.L. has increased the minimum wage to $15. Some say it's still not enough

Newfoundland and Labrador's minimum wage increased by 50 cents on Sunday, and now sits at $15 an hour.

But with the rising cost of living, rent, interest and inflation taking bigger bites out of wallets, some some say it's still hard to get by.

"It's all right, I guess," said St. John's resident Kevin Cumby. "You really can't live on it, but it's a lot better than 10 bucks."

A year ago, the province's minimum wage was $13.70. It increased in April to $14.50. 

Cumby makes more than minimum wage — $16.55 an hour — but says he finds it difficult to do much more than just survive. 

"I can live," he said. "But can I have some fun or can I do things like go to a $200 concert or something once in a while? No."

While single mother Krystal Burgess of St. John's currently receives social assistance, she says the minimum wage wouldn't be enough for her.

"It still isn't even enough to support for the amount of the cost of formula and diapers and wipes and food, and to pay rent and power," she said. "It's unaffordable."

Burgess said she's in a stressful situation and doesn't know if she will have enough money to support her child day to day. 

She said she wishes the province's decision-makers understood more about her struggle. 

"I wish they could realize how hard it is to actually afford on income support or on a minimum-wage job," Burgess said.

"With the way they put prices up, it's not enough to support your child. Like, formula is $50 plus taxes and your diapers are same thing so you're looking at $200 for one shot with diapers, wipes and food."

Abdessemed Nic, originally from Morocco, has been living in St. John's for two years.

"I have a lot of problems here because of the minimum wage," he said. "I pay my rent and the bills. I can't save anything for my future or send money for my family in Morocco."

He said not being able to help his family is especially hard since his home country suffered its most powerful earthquake in a century — killing more than 2,000 people — in September.

At $16.50 an hour, Nic also makes more than minimum wage, but he said it's difficult to afford housing and he's looking for a new place to live. Right now, he has an Airbnb booked for a week while he tries to find something permanent. 

"If I find somewhere to live, OK, I will stay here in St. John's," Nic said. "If not, I will leave the province."

Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island also increased minimum wage to $15 on Sunday.

New Brunswick now has the lowest minimum wage in the Atlantic provinces, at $14.75 per hour. 

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