Employment Standards: Alberta's minimum wage to rise to $7.00 an hour

Edmonton... Alberta's minimum wage will increase to $7.00 per hour from $5.90 per hour. This is an increase of nearly 20 per cent. Employers and other Albertans will be consulted regarding the implementation of the new minimum wage and will have the opportunity to recommend whether the increase should be introduced all at once or in stages. "Now is the right time to raise Alberta's minimum wage. Alberta's economy is strong and can sustain the increase," said Human Resources and Employment Minister Mike Cardinal. "The provincial government wants to ensure all Albertans benefit from the Alberta Advantage, including minimum wage earners." The government's intention to raise minimum wage was first announced in Premier Klein's February 8 televised address. Many indicators point to the strength of Alberta's economy. In the past five years, average hourly wages have increased by almost 18%, the Consumer Price Index has increased by 18.5%, and the Gross Domestic Product has increased by 22%. "In deciding the new rate, government has struck a balance between the needs of workers and employers," added Cardinal. "$7.00 an hour is a rate that will work for businesses and for people." Less than one per cent of Alberta employees, or about 11,000 people, currently earn minimum wage. Alberta's minimum wage was last raised in 1998-1999, in three stages over a 12-month period. Affected stakeholders and other interested Albertans can provide feedback, beginning February 24, on whether Alberta's new minimum wage should be introduced all at once or in stages at: www.gov.ab.ca/hre/employmentstandards.