Saskatchewan’s minimum wage to rise to $11.45 per hour Oct. 1

The minimum wage in Saskatchewan is to increase by 13 cents per hour on Oct. 1 to $11.45 per hour.

Even with the increase, Saskatchewan’s minimum wage will be the lowest in Canada, according to data compiled by the Retail Council of Canada.

The council’s data shows Manitoba and Newfoundland and Labrador have the next-lowest minimum wage at $11.65 per hour. Alberta’s minimum wage of $15 per hour is the highest in the country, with B.C. next at $14.60 per hour.

The hourly wage in Saskatchewan is calculated using an indexation formula, the provincial government said in a media release. The formula considers changes to the Consumer Price Index as well as the average hourly wage in Saskatchewan.

It’s the 12th time since 2007 the minimum wage has increased in the province.

“We have established sustainable and predictable minimum wage increases,” Labour Relations and Workplace Safety Minister Don Morgan said in the release. “This helps families plan ahead and creates an environment for new workers to enter the workforce.”