Alberta's minimum wage, at $15.00 per hour, remains the lowest in Canada, but three provinces—Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Ontario—have raised their minimum wages effective October 1.
Before the increase, Saskatchewan had the lowest minimum wage, $14.00, now $15.00. Manitoba increased its minimum wage from $15.30 to $15.80, while Ontario's minimum wage rose from $16.55 to $17.20 due to an annual inflation adjustment.
However, there may be good news for Alberta workers. A recent report from TELUS Health reveals that average base salaries in Alberta are projected to increase by 3.54 per cent in 2025, following a trend of consecutive salary growth across Canada, primarily driven by ongoing labour shortages. This anticipated rise is expected to outpace the current two per cent inflation rate for the first time in four years.
The findings come from TELUS Health's 42nd annual Salary Projection Survey, which included insights from over 355 Canadian organizations spanning various industries.
Guylaine Béliveau, National Practice Leader of Compensation Consulting at TELUS Health, noted that "as inflation rates decline, employees stand to reclaim purchasing power lost in recent years. This shift could significantly boost individual financial well-being and overall workplace morale."
The report highlights Alberta's position in the national salary projections, trailing only British Columbia's forecast of 3.6 per cent. This increase is particularly notable in industries critical to Alberta’s economy, such as construction, which is projected to see a salary increase of 4.13 per cent. Other sectors like real estate and business services are also expected to experience growth at 3.92 per cent and 3.9 per cent, respectively.
In response to ongoing economic challenges, 59 per cent of surveyed organizations in Alberta are implementing or planning to enhance financial well-being programs. These initiatives aim to support employees' financial health through offerings such as healthcare spending accounts, financial literacy education, and group Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSPs).
Philip Mullen, Vice President of Employer Solutions Consulting at TELUS Health, stated that today's employees seek more than competitive salaries.
"They're looking for employers who offer comprehensive support for their financial, physical, and mental well-being. Organizations that create holistic packages integrating retirement planning and health services will likely see improved recruitment outcomes and higher retention rates."
The TELUS Health survey also indicates that nearly three-quarters of organizations are exploring or seriously considering adopting artificial intelligence to enhance operational efficiency.
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