Alberta’s minimum wage will climb by one dollar in October with the end goal of reaching $15 an hour by 2018.
Labour Minister Christina Gray says the increase will benefit the over 300 thousand Albertan’s currently earning minimum wage, the vast majority, 222,900, of whom are not students. The province said 78 per cent are permanent employees.
“Over a hundred thousand of them are parents, over 60 percent of them are women paying people a fair wage will translate into a better life for low income workers and as a result a better life for their families and stronger Alberta communities.” Gray said.
While some worry the wage increase will negatively impact small business owners who are already struggling in this economic downturn, the NDP argue putting more money into people’s pockets will stimulate the economy.
Alberta’s general minimum wage will rise $1.00 to $12.20 per hour and the current liquor server rate will be removed, effective October 1, 2016. Weekly and monthly minimum wages used by certain professions will rise to $486 and $2,316, respectively, at the same time.
Minimum wage will rise a further $1.40, to $13.60 per hour, on October 1, 2017, and by $1.40, to $15 per hour, on October 1, 2018. Weekly and monthly rates will rise by equivalent amounts.
