Alberta hasn’t increased its minimum wage since 2018, making it the only province in Canada that hasn’t made at least one adjustment in the 2020s. In fact, if you’re under 18, wages actually went down. The province introduced a youth minimum wage of $13/hour in 2019 for students working 28 hours a week or less.
As of 2025, the province’s standard minimum wage still sits at $15/hour, while the federal minimum wage has climbed to $17.75.
Government Says It’s About Affordability, But Workers Are Struggling
The Alberta government has cited “business affordability” and “workforce balance” as reasons for holding back on wage increases. The idea is to help businesses, particularly small ones, maintain staffing levels during uncertain times.
But for workers earning $15/hour in 2025, “affordability” looks a lot different. With rising costs in housing, groceries, transportation, and utilities, minimum wage earners are having to make difficult choices, sometimes skipping meals or putting off bills just to get by.
Alberta’s Wage Is Falling Behind the Rest of Canada
Here’s a look at how Alberta’s minimum wage compares across provinces:
- British Columbia: $17.40 (as of June 2024)
- Ontario: $17.20 (as of October 2024)
- Quebec: $15.75
- Nova Scotia: $15.90
- Federal Minimum Wage: $17.75 (applies to federally regulated sectors)
Even provinces with lower costs of living have started increasing their minimums to reflect inflation. Alberta, once a leader on minimum wage, now ranks near the bottom nationally.
What Labor Advocates Are Saying
Critics argue the freeze is out of touch with economic reality. Inflation has pushed up the price of essentials, and wages haven’t kept pace. More working Albertans are relying on food banks or working multiple jobs, even with full-time hours.
Labor groups and economists have called for a minimum wage review and indexed increases that automatically adjust with inflation.
Will It Change?
As of now, there’s no official plan or timeline from the Alberta government to raise the minimum wage. Workers and advocacy groups continue to push for an update, but the province remains firm in its position, for now.
References
- Government of Alberta. (2024). Minimum wage in Alberta.
https://www.alberta.ca/minimum-wage.aspx - Government of Canada. (2024). Federal minimum wage.
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/jobs/workplace/federal-labour-standards/minimum-wage.html - CBC News. (2024, April). As cost of living rises, Alberta’s minimum wage stands still.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/alberta-minimum-wage-2025-1.7168432 - Global News. (2024). How Alberta’s frozen minimum wage compares to other provinces.
https://globalnews.ca/news/10348293/minimum-wage-alberta-2025/
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