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Article 2 of the Convention. The Committee notes the Government’s indications concerning payment of wages in the form of allowances in kind such as housing, goods or produce. It notes that, while the partial payment of wages in kind is generally regulated by collective agreements, and the value of benefits in kind is based on official rates, in some provinces it may also be subject to private agreement. Recalling that the Convention provides that only national laws or regulations, collective agreements or arbitration awards may authorize the partial payment of wages in kind, and not individual agreements, the Committee requests the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure full conformity with this Article of the Convention.

In addition, the Committee notes the Government’s explanations concerning lower wage rates for agricultural workers under 18 years of age to the effect that young persons can be employed only in certain types of work, thereby necessitating different pay rates. It notes, however, that practice varies and that in some provinces the same minimum wage rate applies irrespective of the worker’s age. The Committee trusts that the Government will review from time to time the rationale and advisability of fixing differentiated wage rates on grounds of age.

Moreover, the Committee notes the statistical information contained in the Government’s report, in particular the minimum wage rates applicable in the agriculture and forestry industries, and the number of agricultural workers covered by collective agreements in the various provinces. It would appreciate if the Government would continue to supply information on these matters.