Effective October 1, 2018, the minimum wage in Alberta will increase to $15 per hour.
This change is this third and final increase arising out of the provincial government’s commitment to a gradual minimum wage increase back in 2016. As of October 1, 2018, Alberta will have the highest minimum wage rate in the country.
The minimum wage rate does not apply to certain classes of employees, including:
- a person authorized to trade in real estate as a real estate broker;
- a person employed as a representative for the purposes of making trades in securities or derivatives for a Securities Act dealer or representative;
- an individual holding an insurance agent’s certificate who is compensated entirely by commission;
- a student engaged in a formal training course approved by the Director, in an off-campus education program provided under the School Act, or in a work experience program approved by the Minister of Advanced Education;
- film or video production extras; or
- a counselor or instructor at an educational or recreational camp operated on a charitable or not-for-profit basis for religious purposes or for children or handicapped individuals.
Aside from the exceptions above, all provincially-regulated employers should review the wage rates of all employees prior to October 1, 2018 to ensure that they comply with the legislation.
Note: This article is of a general nature only and is not exhaustive of all possible legal rights or remedies. In addition, laws may change over time and should be interpreted only in the context of particular circumstances such that these materials are not intended to be relied upon or taken as legal advice or opinion. Readers should consult a legal professional for specific advice in any particular situation.