Alberta to have lowest minimum wage in Canada as other provinces increase rates

September 22, 2025

RED FM News Desk

Alberta, once a national leader in minimum wage rates, is on track to soon have the lowest minimum wage in the country. The province’s current rate of $15 per hour, introduced in 2018 by the former NDP government under Premier Rachel Notley, has remained unchanged for six years.

Meanwhile, other provinces have steadily raised their minimum wages. On October 1, Saskatchewan will raise its rate from $15 to $15.35 an hour, officially placing Alberta at the bottom of the national minimum wage scale.

Alberta NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi is calling on Premier Danielle Smith’s United Conservative Party (UCP) government to raise the province’s minimum wage and tie future increases to inflation.

“Albertans — especially those with lower incomes — are struggling to keep up with rising costs. It’s time for serious action,” Nenshi said Monday.

When asked what the new minimum wage should be, Nenshi emphasized that it’s the government’s responsibility to consult with both workers and businesses to develop a fair plan.

According to Statistics Canada, Alberta’s consumer price index has increased by approximately 20% between 2018 and 2024, reflecting a significant rise in the cost of living.

Economy Minister Joseph Schow responded by noting that most minimum wage earners in Alberta are 24 or younger, typically at the beginning of their careers. He stressed the importance of balancing fair wages with the financial realities of businesses.

“We are working to support the workforce while ensuring that businesses can afford to pay their employees without cutting jobs,” said Schow. “Alberta still stands out as one of the most affordable provinces, with lower taxes and housing costs helping residents keep more of their income.”

Nenshi argued that if the minimum wage had been indexed to inflation, the province wouldn’t be facing the need for a sudden and significant increase — a change that many businesses haven’t planned for.

Alberta also has a separate minimum wage of $13 per hour for workers under 18, which has not changed since it was introduced in 2019.