Our first minimum wage hike took effect today. Alberta’s minimum wage is now $11.20 per hour, which is a $1.00 increase and the third highest in Canada. Servers who serve liquor will see a $1.50 increase, as their minimum wage has risen from $9.20 to $10.70. The differential between servers (who serve liquor) and the rest of Albertans is expected to be eliminated in 2016.
Alberta is not alone however. Minimum wage has also increased today in Saskatchewan (up $0.30 to $10.50), Manitoba (up $0.30 to $11.00), Ontario (up $0.25 to $11.25), and Newfoundland & Labrador (up $0.25 to $10.50). British Columbia raised its minimum wage on September 15 (up $0.20 to $10.45). New Brunswick is now the lowest minimum wage in the country at $10.30 per hour. The Northwest Territories remains the highest minimum wage at $12.50 per hour.
This increase to Alberta’s minimum wage is the first step in the anticipated hike to $15.00 per hour in 2018.
