NDP introduces bill to increase minimum wage

By ANNA SMITH Local Journalism Initiative on October 31, 2025.

asmith@medicinehatnews.com

MLA for Calgary-Mountain View Kathleen Ganley has introduced the Protect Workers’ Pay Act in the legislature in an effort to protect Albertans’ paycheques.

If passed, Bill 201 would increase the minimum wage, eliminate the youth minimum wage differential and add protections for tips collected by workers, says Alberta’s NDP.

“Albertans are working harder than ever, but their paycheques aren’t keeping up,” said Naheed Nenshi, Leader of the Official Opposition of Alberta. “This bill is about restoring fairness and making sure no one is left behind.”

The minimum wage in Alberta has remained unchanged since 2018. The bill proposes an increase of $1 a year for the next three years, beginning December 2025 and reaching $18/hour by October 2027.

It also would put an end to the youth minimum wage differential. Currently, employers can pay students and youth under 18 a wage of $13/hour.

“Young Albertans deserve equal pay for equal work,” said Ganley “This legislation ensures they’re no longer penalized simply for being under 18.”

The bill would also require the appropriate minister to develop and introduce regulations for protecting workers tips from skimming, preventing owners and managers from taking part in a tipping pool unless they also performed the same work.

9
-8