Tony wants minimum-wage top-ups for summer students

NEWS RELEASE

TONY MARTIN, MP

************************** Martin, opposition urge government to top up summer jobs budget to cover minimum wage increase

OTTAWA - Tony Martin joined with opposition MPs yesterday urging the government to increase its Canada Summer Jobs 2009 budget so non-profits and cities hiring students will not have to pay the difference for recent minimum wage increases.

“With the recession, every penny counts for our non-profit organizations, city and district towns hiring students,” Martin said. “Contrary to what the government claims, this is not a non-confidence motion. Governments have discretionary spending money that should cover this.”

The Bloc Quebecois motion passed at Parliament’s human resources social development committee cited a 2005 committee report recommending adjustments be made in the Summer Jobs program to reflect labour market changes including minimum wage.

Martin had initiated that study that led to changes to provide adequate funding in the summer jobs program for rural, northern and inner city ridings.

On March 31, 2009, the minimum wage for most employees in Ontario goes to $9.50 an hour in Ontario.

Students under 18 are to be paid $8.90.

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