Alberta to have lowest minimum wage in Canada after bump in Sask.

Southern Alberta Newspapers

Minimum wage in Saskatchewan will surpass Alberta’s in October when that province provides an indexed increase, Saskatchewan Labour Minister Jim Reiter announced July 10.

That province began raising its minimum wage in 2022 to bring it from $11.81 that year to $15 in late 2024.

The new indexation formula related to inflation and an average wage calculation will add 35 cents per hour on October 1. That will leave Alberta’s minimum wage the lowest in the country at $15, where it has stayed since late 2018.

As well in Alberta, students under 18 can be paid $13 for up to 28 hours per week, but $15 beyond that point.

British Columbia has the highest minimum wage of any province at $17.85, ahead of Ontario ($17.20) and Quebec ($16.10).

“We know the benefits that increasing the minimum wage will have for employees, but we also want to create a balance for employers,” Reiter said. “Over the next few months, we will be working together with the Chambers of Commerce and other key stakeholders to understand the implications of increasing minimum wage for the business community and the impact on Saskatchewan’s economy.”