The Chair of the Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce Board has weighed in on the Provincial Government boosting the minimum wage to $10.25 an hour.

"Most of our members applaud the minimum wage increase as it does help their staff," said Bob Scales. "Everybody does have concerns as to their bottom line, anybody in business hates to see their costs going up."

Scales says the jump in the mimimum wage didn't exactly come as a major shock to the business community.

"Local businesses have had a year to prepare for this final scheduled increase, some are reducing staff hours, others have reduced other operating costs, and there are those that have passed along the increased costs by raising their prices."

Scales warns there is one sector of the local retail economy which will definitely feel the pinch.

"I think the restaurants are probably going to be the hardest hit, and we may see some changes yet in the restaurant scene in the next couple of months."

The Chamber of Commerce Chair is keeping his fingers crossed for a busy high season for tourism.

"A good tourist summer season will certainly help, but there are still some businesses, especially in he restaurant sector, that would like to see that training entry level pay range come back but I really don't see that happening."

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