Stelmach announces minimum wage increase

Tony Seskus, Calgary Herald

Published: Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Alberta’s minimum wage will increase on April 1, rising to $8.40 from $8 per hour, Premier Ed Stelmach announced today.

Speaking to reporters in Edmonton, Stelmach said the hike is in keeping with the government’s decision last year that minimum wage increases would be based on the average weekly wage index for Alberta.

The index is based on Statistics Canada’s annual survey of employment, payroll and hours.
“With our vibrant economy (and) low unemployment, most employers are paying more than minimum wage,” Stelmach said.
About 70,000 or 3.5 per cent of working Albertans make minimum wage. The majority are 15 to 19 year olds working in the food service and hospitality industries. Stelmach said the announcement was timely as many students prepare to find summer jobs.

“This will ensure that minimum-wage earners share in Alberta’s continuing economic prosperity,” he added.
Alberta will have the third highest minimum wage among provinces, behind only Ontario ($8.75) and Manitoba ($8.50).

tseskus@theherald.canwest.com

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