Medicine Hat living wage dips slightly to $18.05 an hour

Brooks recorded the largest decrease among the 19 Alberta communities, falling 6.36 per cent from $22 an hour to $20.60. Red Deer had the largest increase, rising 8.23 per cent from $20.65 to $22.35.

Across the province, living wages increased in nine communities and decreased in 10. Banff reported a rate for the first time, at $27.45 an hour, the highest among the 20 communities included in this year’s report.

The Alberta Living Wage Network says changes in living costs and government benefits contributed to the different results.

Among the 19 communities with year-over-year comparisons, shelter costs increased in 13, while food costs rose in 10.

The introduction of the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit and improvements to the network’s calculation of the Canada Workers Benefit helped lower some living wage rates. However, the impact varied, with workers in higher-cost communities potentially earning too much to qualify for certain benefits.

Alberta Living Wage Network economist Ryan Lacanilao said the gap between living wages and minimum wage highlights the financial challenges facing people working full time.

“In every community, the living wage is higher than minimum wage,” Lacanilao said.

“This gap represents people who are struggling to make ends meet even while working full time.”

In Medicine Hat, Hometown Culinary said paying above minimum wage is an ethical decision, while acknowledging the higher labour costs involved.

“We believe in paying people above minimum wage as an ‘ethical’ stance,” the business said in a statement.

“While we would love to pay even more than we do, we also have to be mindful that our labour cost is roughly 25 per cent higher than our colleagues, but our menu prices are roughly in line. But ultimately, we believe it’s the right thing to do.”

The other communities included in the 2026 report have living wage rates ranging from $18.70 in Cold Lake to $27.20 in St. Albert.

Calgary’s rate is $26.90 an hour, while Edmonton’s is $22.65. Lethbridge is at $21.45, down 3.81 per cent, and Lloydminster is at $21.10, down 2.54 per cent.

Other rates include $23 an hour in Barrhead, $23.25 in Bonnyville, $21.35 in Drayton Valley, $22.90 in Fort McMurray and $21.70 in Grande Prairie.

High River’s living wage is $23.85, while Rocky Mountain House is at $21.05. The rate is $21.45 in Special Areas, $22.70 in Spruce Grove and $23.65 in Stony Plain.

The Alberta Living Wage Network recalculates rates annually to reflect local expenses and changes to public policy. It also operates an employer certification program recognizing businesses that pay their employees a living wage.

Network coordinator Alison Van Dyke says the movement is gaining momentum as more employers recognize the importance of workers being able to afford everyday necessities.

“A living wage is about more than a paycheque,” Van Dyke said.

“When people can cover the cost of housing, food, transportation and other everyday needs, they have more stability and less financial stress.”

The network says paying a living wage can benefit workers, families, businesses and the wider community.

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READ: Living wage in Medicine Hat has increased since last year (Nov. 13, 2025)

by Jesse Gill

Medicine Hat living wage dips slightly to $18.05 an hour

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