Today, Wednesday, 21 February 2024, there’s a big question on everyone’s mind: “Will Alberta increase its minimum wage in 2024?” The current minimum wage in Alberta is $15 per hour, a rate that has been unchanged since 2018.
In Alberta, this wage is the lowest hourly rate businesses can pay their workers. The province set this wage to give workers a fair start and ensure they are properly paid for their work.
Summary of Alberta Minimum Wage 2024
Aspect | Details |
---|---|
Current Minimum Wage | $15 per hour |
Last Increase | October 2018, from $13.60 to $15 per hour |
Minimum Wage for Students | $13 per hour |
Special Professions Wage | $598 per week |
Cost of Living Consideration | Minimum wage of nearly $25 needed in some areas |
Exemptions | Certain professions have different wage requirements |
Last 30 Years Trend | Steady increase from $5.40 in 1993 to $15 in 2023 |
Future Increases | No current plans to tie wage to CPI |
Alberta’s Minimum Wage History
The minimum wage in Alberta has seen a steady increase over the past 30 years. From $5.40 per hour in 1993, it rose to $15 per hour by 2018.
In 2018, the Alberta New Democratic Party raised it from $10.20 to $15. This was a significant jump and made Alberta the first in Canada to reach this rate.
Cost of Living and Minimum Wage
The cost of living in Alberta is high. Some studies suggest that a minimum wage of nearly $25 per hour is needed to cover rent in certain areas.
Despite this, the standard minimum wage remains at $15 per hour. This is challenging for many trying to make ends meet.
Wage for Students and Special Professions
Students under 18 earn a lower wage of $13 per hour. However, if they work over 28 hours a week, they get $15 per hour for the extra hours.
Professions like real estate, engineering, and architecture have a weekly minimum wage of $598. This is in line with Alberta’s Employment Standards Code.
Wage Regulations and Exceptions
Employers must comply with the rules set by the Employment Standards Code. This includes different minimum wages for various job groups.
However, some professions are exempt from these minimum wage laws. This includes local law enforcement and film industry crew members.
Future of Alberta’s Minimum Wage
As of now, there’s no plan to tie the minimum wage to the Consumer Price Index (CPI). This means we might not see a change in the minimum wage in the near future.
In conclusion, while the minimum wage in Alberta is among the highest, the cost of living challenges and lack of recent increases are significant concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current minimum wage in Alberta?
The current minimum wage in Alberta is $15 per hour.
When was the last increase in Alberta’s minimum wage?
The last increase was in October 2018, from $13.60 to $15 per hour.
Is there a different minimum wage for students in Alberta?
Yes, students under 18 earn $13 per hour, unless they work over 28 hours a week.
Are there any plans to increase Alberta’s minimum wage in 2024?
As of now, there are no announced plans to increase Alberta’s minimum wage in 2024.
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