Province announces plan to re-examine policy that ties minimum wage increases to change in average weekly earnings
Alberta is keeping its minimum wage at $8.80 per hour in 2010 to keep people in entry-level positions working and help ensure small businesses remain viable and competitive through as the economy recovers.
In June 2007, the province adopted a policy that linked increases in the minimum wage to increases in Alberta’s average weekly earnings as calculated by Statistics Canada. Under that policy, the wage increased from $8 to $8.40 on April 1, 2008, and again to $8.80 on April 1, 2009.
But the government has announced plans to review that policy.
“This decision reflects what government feels will both protect jobs during these uncertain economic times and support the economy,” said Thomas Lukaszuk, Minister of Employment and Immigration. “In addition to freezing the minimum wage, I will also request an all-party committee review of our current policy, ensuring that our approach is what’s best for Albertans.”
Alberta’s minimum wage ranks sixth among provinces, with hourly minimum wages ranging from $8 in British Columbia to $9.50 in Ontario.
