Premier Christy Clark announced Wednesday that British Columbia's minimum wage will increase in three stages to $10.25 by May 1, 2012 and the training wage will be eliminated.

The general minimum wage will increase on May 1, 2011 to $8.75 and be $10.25 per hour by May 2012.

It's about time says Columbia River Revelstoke MLA Norm Macdonald.

"I'm very pleased," he said. "Obviously, it's been over 10 years since it went up and despite a 2001 promise not to lower it, the introduction of the training wage broke that promise.

"It's still a long way from a living wage, but it's an important step."

Macdonald says there has been a dramatic increase in poverty over the past 10- years, especially among the working poor.

The BC Chamber of Commerce is concerned about the speed at which the wage will reach the maximum of $10.25, but didn't condemn the move by any means.

Macdonald says that although small business is where the impact may be felt the most, he believes most small business people do want to provide a fair wage for their employees.

And the increase has other benefits as well.

"I think most people would agree that you need to have money circulating in the local economy."

The move levels the field, Macdonald said.

"We've been the lowest in Canada for quite a while," he said. "Clearly the wage in place wasn't fair."

And Macdonald has no problem giving Clark credit for the move.

"I think when someone does the right thing you have to reinforce it by saying well done. It's a good move. It's is the Opposition's job to criticize everything, but on this I wouldn't.