Why Alberta’s minimum wage remains frozen as other provinces jump ahead

'We will continue to monitor the matter closely,' said Alberta Jobs Minister Matt Jones

Six years ago, Alberta grabbed national attention for bringing its minimum wage to $15 in 2018 from $12.20 within two years. The move drew praise from labour representatives and criticism from business groups as the province zoomed past its counterparts.

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.