Business group slams N.L. minimum wage hike

The Director of Provincial Affairs for the Newfoundland and Labrador Branch of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business has criticized the province's recent increase of the minimum wage.

The provincial government raised the rate to $9.50 an hour on Jan. 1.

That puts Newfoundland and Labrador on par with Ontario for the highest minimum wages in the country.

CFIB spokesman Bradley George predicts the move will result in job losses.

George said many small business owners won't be able to afford the increase and he expects layoffs and cutbacks as a result.

The federation will conduct a survey of its members in February to gauge the impact of the wage increase and George says he believes it will show negative consequences.

The province intends to raise the minimum wage by a further50 cents in July.