This is a long overdue initiative to help the working poor.

-proposed administrative requirements "red tape" do not appear onerous and at and least one of the present requirements will be dropped.

-There are virtually no wage raises in minimum wage jobs.

-There is no evidence that an increase in minimum wage affects hiring. 

-There is no evidence that this will affect younger workers.

-More money circulating in the economy particularly in the hands of those who most need to spend it should stimulate economic growth.

Increasing the minimum wage and providing a modicum of security to the working poor will reduce their need for taxpayer funded government supports.  Taxpayers should not be underwriting the labour costs of companies.  Better security for the working poor will also improve their health thus reducing expenditures and give them more flexibility to improve their education.