Will local businesses feel the pinch from rising minimum wage?

Local employers will have to make more of bang for their buck as the minimum wage is about the increase.

Minimum wage is increasing in Ontario to $11.25 an hour — and President of the Chamber of Commerce Kurt Bigeau says this is a double edge sword.

“Everything’s relative whether you’re a small business or a large business.  It’s another expense to the employer but it’ll help the employees on the other end.”

The province’s current minimum wage is $11, $10.30 for students under 18, and $9,55 for employees serving alcohol.  When the new laws come into place students under 18 will make $10.55 and employees serving alcohol will be making $9.88.

Alberta now has the lowest overall minimum wage at $10,20 while the Northwes

t Territories ranks ahead on Ontario for the number  one position at $12.50 an hour.