The Alberta New Democratic Party (NDP) announced on Monday a plan to increase the provincial minimum wage to $18 per hour over three years and introduce legislation to protect tips for service industry workers. The proposal comes just days before the Calgary Stampede, a major event that employs many young and part-time workers.
Minimum wage increase timeline
The NDP proposes an immediate increase of the minimum wage to $16 per hour, followed by annual $1 increases over the next two years until it reaches $18 per hour. After that, the wage would be indexed to inflation, ensuring it keeps pace with the cost of living. The party also pledged to eliminate the youth minimum wage, which currently stands at $13 per hour for workers under 18.
Alberta NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi said during a press conference at Tubby’s Bar in Calgary that the United Conservative Party (UCP) government has ignored the impact of Canada’s lowest minimum wage, wage suppression, and tip skimming on Alberta workers. “The UCP is taking advantage of these workers,” Nenshi said.
Tip protection measures
The NDP noted that Alberta is one of the few provinces without legislation ensuring service workers keep their tips. The proposed measures would prohibit managers and owners from participating in tip pools unless they perform the same duties as staff. This aims to guarantee that tips go directly to the workers who serve customers.
“Tip protection is about fairness. It’s fairness to workers, but it’s also fairness to customers who think that the money they’re tipping is going to make somebody’s life just a little bit easier,” said Calgary NDP MLA Kathleen Ganley.
Urgency for workers
Ganley emphasized the urgency of the measures, noting that many workers are struggling with rising costs. “While costs have ballooned, wages haven’t kept up, and that means that many people are making the choice between food and rent,” she said. The NDP’s plan is part of a broader Affordability Agenda announced earlier this month, which includes cutting electricity rates by 10% and reducing grocery prices.
The next provincial election is scheduled for October 2027. The NDP’s proposals aim to address the affordability crisis affecting many Albertans, particularly those in the service industry. Postmedia has reached out to the Alberta government for comment.
