Walmart Canada is set to invest $53 million in wage increases for its hourly store associates, affecting approximately 40 per cent of it 100,000 employees. The company made the move earlier this month as part of its ongoing efforts to offer competitive pay in the markets where it operates, it said.
“We’re on a journey of developing our talent, simplifying and modernizing how we work, investing in our teams, and strengthening our culture,” said AnnMarie Mercer, chief people officer at Walmart Canada.
Technology investments
Alongside wage increases, Walmart Canada is also enhancing its technological infrastructure. The company recently introduced new digital handheld devices for store associates to improve customer service and operational efficiency, it said.
These devices will enable associates to quickly access inventory information and facilitate real-time communication between team members.
Joe Schrauder, Chief Operations Officer at Walmart Canada, highlighted the importance of equipping employees with modern tools.
“As a people-led, tech-powered, omnichannel retailer, we know how important it is for our associates to have the right tools they need to do their job,” said Schrauder. “These devices play a critical role in helping our store associates perform their day-to-day tasks more efficiently and better serve our customers.”
Compensation packages
Walmart Canada’s comprehensive compensation package for associates includes annual incentive bonuses aligned with company performance, extensive health and dental benefits, fertility treatments, mental health care, and gender affirmation care.
Employees also have access to 24/7 virtual care and wellness programs through TELUS Health, as well as a discount card offering savings on groceries and general merchandise.
In addition to immediate compensation enhancements, Walmart Canada is making significant investments in career development and education. Through the Live Better U (LBU) program, the company covers 100% of tuition, books, and course fees for employees pursuing educational opportunities aligned with the business’s future needs.
Since the program’s inception, over 3,000 associates have participated, with a $50 million investment planned over the next five years.
Walmart Canada, which operates over 400 stores and employs more than 100,000 associates, continues to be a major player in the Canadian retail sector. The company serves 1.5 million customers daily through its physical stores and online platform, Walmart.ca. Walmart Canada’s philanthropic efforts have raised and donated over $750 million to Canadian charities since 1994.
