Raise Alberta’s Minimum Wage

News Release

Raise Alberta’s Minimum Wage

Calgary – With Alberta’s minimum wage set to be the lowest in Canada, and in the midst of an affordability crisis, Alberta’s New Democrats are calling on the UCP government to raise Alberta’s minimum wage and index it to inflation, ensuring paycheques keep up with the rising cost of living.

“Albertans are facing soaring costs for everything from groceries to rent, and their paycheques are increasingly strained as they try to make ends meet,” said Alberta’s New Democrat Leader, Naheed Nenshi. “The best way to help Albertans right now is to make sure our province doesn’t have the lowest minimum wage in the country.”

Alberta’s minimum wage has not increased since 2018. On October 1, Alberta will officially have the lowest minimum wage in Canada.

“Even the conservative government in Saskatchewan is increasing their minimum wage, something Premier Smith and her UCP government refuse to do,” said Nenshi. “That decision hasn’t created jobs and continues to keep too many people living on the edge.”

Since Danielle Smith became Premier, Alberta’s unemployment rate has risen by almost three percentage points. The province now has the second-highest unemployment rate in the country, with youth unemployment remaining the highest in the country.

Janine Rogan, Founder and CEO of the Wealth Building Academy, echoed the call to action.

“Alberta’s lagging minimum wage is unacceptable for the richest province in Canada. We need to raise it so that everyone can pay their bills on time, put food on the table, and afford a place to live.”

“Albertans deserve affordability and security,” added Nenshi. “That starts by making sure paycheques keep up with the cost of living. It’s time for Danielle Smith to immediately raise the minimum wage and ensure it grows fairly with inflation.”