Minimum wage earners will receive a boost as the third step to the NDP's gradual minimum wage increase is effective today.

As of today Oct. 1st the new minimum wage in Alberta is $13.60/hr, and next year the provincial minimum wage will increase again, to $15/hr.

Labour Minister Christina Gray says through the minimum wage increase, they are supporting the province's economy.

“All hard-working people deserve to earn enough money to support themselves and their families. Our government is staying true to our commitment to make life better for those Albertans who earn the bare minimum. This increase will boost the spending power of low-income people, which supports Alberta’s economic recovery.”

The annual gross income for full-time minimum wage earners will rise to $28,288 from $25,376 while the weekly minimum wage for some salespersons, land agents and other professionals will rise to $542 from $486 and the monthly minimum wage for domestic employees who live in their employer’s residence will rise to $2,582 from $2,316.

According to the Alberta Low Wage Profile report, more than 292,000 Albertans earn less than $15 per hour, while over 59 per cent of low-income earners are women. 

Minimum wage earners aren't all part time workers, over half work full time and 79 per cent have permanent jobs.

The same report states that almost 40 per cent have children,with 115,000 working parents earning $15 per hour or less.

While the NDP are assuring Albertans that this is a fiscally responsible move for our economy, the opposition leaders Brian Jean and Jason Kenney, say the increase will boost the cost of living, 'kill' job creation and hurt small businesses.

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