B-002: National Minimum Wage Act, 1679

[Alfonso Velez]

Madam Speaker,

This Government recognizes the need to build consensus. As part of our coalition agreement, we have taken a constructive step forward to ensure that ever Aldurian receives fair pay for their labours while also ensuring that businesses have time to adjust to the changes in the minimum wage. To my colleagues who are concerned that the minimum wage will hurt the economy, I respectfully assert to you that this will actually help our economy. The more working class families have to spend the more they will spend in our economy. While the overhead costs for our small businesses will increase slightly, the increased amount of money for families to spend will go back into the cash register of these businesses. I truly believe that this will be a major net positive for businesses--particularly small businesses. If I didn't believe this, I would never support this bill.

I'm pleased that we've been able to reach a consensus on how to move forward to ensure fair pay for hard work while also ensuring that we raise the minimum wage in a responsible way. I'm certain that the Honourable Deputy Prime Minister will have more to say on this bill which he took the lead in crafting--but for my part I commend this bill to the House and encourage my colleagues to support it.