On Tuesday, Alberta again garnered mention — this time for tumbling to last place after four provinces bumped their rates for the second time in the past two years, while Alberta’s minimum wage has remained frozen since 2018.

When Alberta introduced a $15 minimum wage six years ago, it was the highest in Canada. But starting October 1, the province has the lowest in the country. Starting in October, four provinces raised their minimum wage.

The former Alberta NDP government increased the minimum wage to $15 per hour on October 1, 2018, meaning the province’s lowest-paid workers were making more money than anywhere else in Canada at the time.

Oct. 1 is the sixth anniversary of the UCP government's minimum wage freeze. AFL president Gil McGowan said if Alberta's minimum wage had kept up with inflation over the past six years it would be worth about $19 an hour instead of stuck at $15.

Pattison Media reported this week that Alberta is now tied for having the lowest minimum wage in the country as Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, and P.E.I. all raised their wage floors as of October 1, 2024.

Alberta's minimum wage has not kept pace with inflation. Labour leaders argue workers have lost purchasing power and urge for an increase and automati

Alberta now has the lowest minimum wage in Canada, being the only province not to raise the minimum wage this decade.

Saskatchewan increased its minimum wage to $15 an hour Tuesday. The province continues to have Canada's lowest minimum wage, alongside Alberta, which increased it to $15 in 2018.

As of October 1, four provinces' minimum wages are increasing, but not Alberta. Alberta's minimum wage is tied for the lowest in the country, with Saskatchewan, and hasn't seen an increase since 2018.