N.S. news: Group calling for financial aid for restaurants [Video]

Restaurants Canada is calling on the Nova Scotia government to introduce a financial aid program to restaurants struggling with annual minimum wage increases.

“These minimum wage increases have become more and more difficult to absorb over time,” said Jordi Morgan, VP Atlantic for Restaurants Canada.

Other provinces like Manitoba and Newfoundland and Labrador are providing $2 million to help small businesses transition to the higher minimum wage rates, which is estimated to provide financial assistance to 600 small and medium businesses.

“Those people who have minimum wage positions can apply and there are circumstances and criteria that they have to meet, and if they meet that criteria then the government will provide them with some financial support,” said Morgan.

Restaurants Canada said the minimum wage increase has unintended consequences for salaried employees making more than minimum wage. This includes back-of-house and kitchen staff.

The association found these employees are being denied increases …