1 in 4 Albertans making less than $15 per hour: Study

Majority in prime earning years

Nearly one in four employed Albertans (418,900) make less than $15 per hour, according to a study by Public Interest Alberta and the Alberta College of Social Workers.

The study, which is based on data from Statistics Canada, also shows that the vast majority (77.9 per cent) of low-wage workers are in their prime earning years.

More than one-third 35.6 per cent of low-wage workers are between 25 and 45 years of age, and 25.6 per cent are older than 45 years of age, found the study.

“Too many Albertans are working hard, but are still unable to earn a living wage,” said Bill Moore-Kilgannon, executive director of Public Interest Alberta. “As the government develops their comprehensive plan to eliminate child poverty in five years, it is imperative that they recognize that low-wages negatively impact the health of our communities and economy.”

And women make up more than 60 per cent of Albertans living on low wages, said Lori Sigurdson, professional affairs co-ordinator for the Alberta College of Social Workers.

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