Minimum wage jumps $10.65 an hour on April 1

New Brunswickers on minimum wage get a raise on April1, with a jump of 35 cents to $10.65 an hour.

That's welcome news for people such as Sadie Brooker, who works in retail.

"I think that's great," said Brooker.

"I only work one job. I only work at American Eagle, not quite full time, but almost. It's definitely hard. I do have a fiance at home that has a good job. We have some bills that are overdue."

For a 40-hour work week, the increase means an extra $2.80 a day, or an even $14 a week.

It's enough to be noticeable, but it won't make a big difference for most people.

Brooker can't make ends meetcomfortably on her hours.

"I work full-time, and I've been trying to get a second job but it's been hard with the economy," said Brooker.

"So definitely the raise will help until I can find a second job to help with the bills."

Business concerns

Not everyone supports the wage increase, with some business operators saying it will make it harder to keep their companies afloat.

The Canadian Federation of Independent Business, in a 2015 report, says mandatory increases to the minimum wage can actually harm the very people they're meant to help, by forcing cash-strapped business owners to reduce employees' hours or even lay people off.

There are other business people who do support the increase.

"I'm fine with it," said Patrick Parise, owner of Spin-It Records & Video in Moncton.

"I think that minimum wage in New Brunswick was too low to begin with. My employees don't get paid minimum wage anyway, but it'll just add to their salary and I think that's great."

For the time being, this gives New Brunswick the highest minimum wage in Atlantic Canada, with Nova Scotia close at $10.60 an hour, and Newfoundland and Labrador at $10.50.

P.E.I. currently sits at $10.50 as well, but it has two increases scheduled for this year, which will take that province's rate to $11.00 by October 2016.