Are illegal immigrants the reason Canada has a higher minimal wage?

Question

Is the cheap labor from the illigal immigrants keeping the min wage low, I do not believe you can stay above the poverty line with a wage as low as that?

Canada min wage is roughly 8$
http://canadaonline.about.com/library/bl/blminwage.htm
US average in 2001 $5.15

http://www.commondreams.org/views01/0829-08.htm
What is your thought?

Things cost 14% more because of taxes in some provinces and 7% in others which pays for our healthcare.

Answer 1

Many states have higher minimum wages than the federal level. US money is still worth more than Canadian money though. (Maybe we should pay the illegal immigrants with Canadian money instead than it would even be cheaper!) I'm kidding by the way. Even though I am opposed to illegal immigration it is not the fault of the worker but of the corporation that employs them at a less than standard wage. They use the fact that there is cheap labor to work for less as a way to tell American workers if you want a job you will accept whatever I offer because if you don't there is someone that will.

Answer 2

Are illegal immigrants the reason Canada has a higher minimal wage? The answer is NO.
Is the cheap labor from the illegal immigrants keeping the min wage low? The answer is NO.
I do not believe you can stay above the poverty line with a wage as low as that? The answer is YES.
Try your luck in some under develop[ country and you will understand what is called living how much it costs?

Answer 3

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Answer 4

Actually, the federally mandated minimum wage here is $5.85.

You already referenced your GST at 7% to 14% but failed to mention much higher fuel, utility and import taxes. You also didn't mention that your "income tax" rates are much higher.

As a function of "standard of living" Canada is about on par with the U.S. or a little behind. Too close to call.

Answer 5

Most US states have higher minimum wage laws. There are only about 10 that don't. See my link for info.
Also, that rate is set to increase:
""Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), the federal minimum wage for covered nonexempt employees is $5.85 per hour effective July 24, 2007; $6.55 per hour effective July 24, 2008; and $7.25 per hour effective July 24, 2009."

Answer 6

wages are simple market factors,too many workers,no money
if the work force goes down , more money to attract workers.
if the borders are being over run faster than the national growth rate what do you think is going to happen?

Answer 7

Canada has to have a higher min. wage because everything there costs much more.

Answer 8

Well, I hope the illegals recognize this fine point and migrate to Canada

Answer 9

Canada is a greater socialist country then the US .

Answer 10

I wouldsay you hit the nail right on the head.....