Introduction

Sometimes, people think they cannot do anything to change laws. This is not true. If a law becomes very unpopular, and many people let the government know they are upset, the law may be changed. It takes a lot of work to change a law. There are no promises that you will win the changes you want. But people who try to change laws in peaceful ways are very important. This piece is about Karen Westcott. She helped to change the law that sets the minimum wage in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Questions and Answers

These questions will help you understand this piece.

What is minimum wage?

Minimum wage is the lowest amount an employer is allowed to pay. The minimum wage is set by provincial law. It is usually an hourly rate. In 1995, the minimum wage in Newfoundland was $4.75 an hour for the first 40 hours in a week, and $7.12 an hour if more than 40 hours of work is done.

What is a two-tiered minimum wage?

"Tier" (rhymes with ear) means a row or rank or level. A two-tiered minimum wage provides two different minimum wages for different kinds of work. Newfoundland had a two-tiered minimum wage until 1991. In 1976 the minimum wage was $2.50 an hour for most workers. But domestic servants in private homes were paid "not less than $30.00 per week."

How are laws changed?

A democracy is a country where people vote to elect the government. In a democracy, laws are made by governments elected by the people. In Canada, we have three different levels of government for most people. The federal government is based in Ottawa. It makes laws and provides services for all of Canada. The provincial governments are based in provincial capitals and make laws and provide services for each province. Municipal governments make rules (called by-laws) and provide services for people living in towns and cities. People who live outside of cities and towns in Newfoundland and Labrador may not have a municipal government.