Alberta not considering raising minimum wage

 

Despite reports that a $15-an-hour minimum wage would not be enough, the Alberta government is reportedly not considering raising the province's minimum wage. The Alberta Living Wage Network estimates the minimum wage at $20.85 in Edmonton and $24.45 in Calgary. But Labour Minister Matt Jones said his priority is to ensure that Alberta workers are able to get jobs, gain experience, and advance in their education, skills and earnings.

But the NDP says the minimum wage should be considered in conjunction with future increases being tied to inflation. People who go to work every day work hard. They deserve to live their lives without financial fear, and the provincial government has consistently shown contempt for workers, said Alberta NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi.

Since 2018, Alberta's minimum wage has been $15 per hour. The lowest minimum wages in Canada are in Alberta and Saskatchewan. Ontario and BC have minimum wages above $17 per hour.