Based on a 40-hour week, someone making the increased minimum wage will earn $2,912 more per year, which will help ensure that those in the service industry who take care of us can afford to take care of themselves and their families as well.
Alberta low-income earner facts
- More than a quarter million Albertans earn less than $15 per hour. They represent over 11 per cent of all workers.
- Only 24 per cent are aged 15-19. Over 40 per cent are aged 20-34 and over 12 per cent are aged 55+.
Nearly two-thirds (63 per cent) are women. - Over half (53 per cent) work full time and 76 per cent have permanent jobs.
- About 37 per cent have children.
Economic indicators and minimum wage
- Alberta’s overall employment increased almost two per cent from October 2015 to August 2018.
- Alberta’s employment in the three lowest paying occupations (sales support, service support and salespersons) increased by about six per cent during that time.
Employment in retail trade, the largest minimum wage sector, increased by 4.8 per cent from August 2017 to August 2018. - According to Statistics Canada, restaurant sales in Alberta reached a record high in August, adding $18 million year over year, and are expected to continue rising throughout 2018.