Minimum wage gaps

Nova Scotia Premier Stephen McNeil isn’t finding much support for a common minimum wage in Atlantic Canada by as early as next spring. Whatever his target might be, the premier is quick to reject any plans to join the $15 an hour club.

That number is now the goal for Ontario and Alberta. It’s inevitable that by 2020 or 2021, it will be the law in several provinces, but based on Premier McNeil’s comments this week, don’t expect it to happen anytime soon in Nova Scotia.

The issue is back in the news because Atlantic provinces adjusted their minimum wages April 1. Nova Scotia’s minimum wage for experienced workers increased from $10.85 to $11 an hour — second lowest in the nation behind Saskatchewan’s $10.96. Newfoundland and Labrador also went up by 15 cents to $11.15, and New Brunswick increased by 25 cents to $11.25. P.E.I. jumped by 30 cents to $11.55.

It’s obvious that Premier McNeil has strong views on the subject. He feels that significant increases will have a detrimental impact on his province’s economy. He’s prepared to defend and maintain that position. But that is no reason for the other three Atlantic premiers to take a similar stand. And it’s likely they will not.

Atlantic co-operation makes sense on many issues — such as education, prescription drug purchases, marijuana regulations and interprovincial trade — where the reduction of barriers and red tape is beneficial for economies and citizens. Minimum wages and gasoline price regulations are among the exceptions to the rule. Premiers need some flexibility to react on measures deemed essential or unique for their province.

P.E.I. Premier Wade MacLauchlan didn’t get too excited with his fellow premier’s trial balloon. The Island has made it policy in recent years to offer the highest minimum wage in the region. The cost of living on the Island is among the highest in Canada and a higher wage is essential to pay for the basics. It offers a reason for young people to remain in the province and for others to move to the Island.

P.E.I. doesn’t regard a higher minimum wage as detrimental to business. The province has basically balanced its budget for the past three years, enjoyed an increase in population and a decrease in unemployment. Its economy is booming. Nova Scotia has also balanced its budget but economic good times are slow to take effect.

Premier McNeil would like other Atlantic premiers to slow the pace of wage increases and allow Nova Scotia time to narrow the gap. Newfoundland and Labrador just brought down a tough budget aimed at reducing expenditures without major job reductions or cuts to services; New Brunswick is headed towards a September election; and rumblings are growing louder on the P.E.I. political landscape about a snap spring vote. So, don’t expect much regional support at curbing minimum wage increases to help out Mr. McNeil.

On this issue, the Nova Scotia premier is a voice in the wilderness.

Well, at the last West Hants committee of the whole (March 27, 2018) the much sought after crosswalk at Mariners Drive and Riverbank Drive on Holmes Hill, Hantsport, was not approved by council.

One must note that this was based on a “Treatment Selection Matrix” as set by the Transportation Association of Nova Scotia and a Pedestrian Control Guide, which basically states that there should be 15 EAU’s per hour for seven hours per day and 1,500 vehicles/day as the minimum requirements before a crosswalk can be applied.

Hantsport, with a population of approximately 903, only had an average traffic volume on Holmes Hill of 1,074 vehicles and an occasional pedestrian (really?) during the period of Oct.3-14, 2017 as calculated by the municipality.

I would think that a city would meet the minimum requirements but Hantsport, with such a small population, cannot. Safety is one of the key objectives in providing crossing control. (EAU means Equivalent Adult Units).

Adults are 1.0 EAU, unaccompanied children 12 years and younger are 2.0 EAUs, seniors aged 65-plus are 1.5 EAUs and pedestrians with physical impairments are 2.0 EAUs.

The decision did not take into consideration the speed of the vehicles going up and down Holmes Hill.

It was stated that there was not any history to base any decision on to put a crosswalk at Mariners Drive but Mariners Drive has only been there about six years. The prior condition of the street was very poor and now since being upgraded, speed has increased well over the 50 km per hour.

There are 39 houses on the east side of Holmes Hill without a sidewalk. There are children that live in some of those houses; they walk to and from school.

There are seniors, some with walkers, that need to cross the street to get to that sidewalk; many people walk up and down that street. We are a walking community. In fact, the area around Holmes Hill supports over 20 per cent of the total population of Hantsport.

As stated, safety is the key objective. It was said that adding a crosswalk could actually make it more unsafe than it is. I have a problem agreeing with that if in fact we have a vehicle traffic volume of 1,074. I would think a crosswalk would help.

It was stated that the question of insurance should be looked at. If there was an accident caused by the crosswalk would the municipality be liable? I would think that if there was an accident now in the same vicinity and no crosswalk, then who would be liable.

So to put it in perspective for those of us who want a crosswalk up here, it looks like it is not going to happen. To be fair to the determination given by council, their decision can be reassessed in future as conditions change. Let us hope that it is not an accident that creates the change.

Bill Preston Hantsport