This morning Green Party leader David Coon announced that a Green government would increase the minimum wage to $15 per hour, and guarantee sick leave, vacation, and paid overtime for all workers under the Employment Standards Act.

“The COVID-19 pandemic revealed how many workers in our economy are truly essential, but are undervalued," said Coon. “While many New Brunswickers continue to work from home today, workers in these sectors continued to go to work everyday, so that we continue to receive essential goods and services.”

Coon also announced that a Green government would offer wage subsidies to help cover the cost of the minimum wage increase for small businesses and non-profits that do not have enough revenue or profit to pay for the minimum wage increase.

"These are difficult times for small businesses, as well as their employees,” said Coon. “A Green government would be there to help small businesses make these adjustments.”