B.C.'s minimum wage has increased to $9.50 as of Nov. 1, Minister of Labour, Citizens' Services and Open Government Margaret MacDiarmid confirmed recently.

At the same time, the minimum wage rate for liquor servers will increase  to $8.75.

This is the second increase to the minimum wage this year, and follows on Premier Christy Clark's commitment in March 2011 to increase minimum wage in three stages to $10.25 by May 1, 2012, providing more support  for B.C. workers and families in every region of the province.

Non-hourly rates paid to camp leaders, live-in home support workers and resident caretakers will be adjusted at the same time in proportion to  the increase in minimum wage.

Piece rates for hand-harvested crops listed in the employment standards regulation will remain unchanged pending the outcome of a review currently being undertaken by the Ministry of Labour, Citizens' Services  and Open Government. The review is expected to be completed by the end  of this year.

Minister of Labour, Citizens' Services and Open Government Margaret MacDiarmid said, "When workers have more money in their pockets, they are in a better position to support themselves and their families - and that's good for the economy. We also know that employers need to plan for the increases, which is why we have given considerable advance notice and we are raising the minimum wage in smaller increments."