DIDSBURY -- The minimum wage for students in Alberta will soon be changing. Beginning on June 26, the minimum wage for students under 18 will be $13 an hour, down from $15 an hour.
Brian Chita, president of the Didsbury & District Chamber of Commerce, expects that the minimum wage reduction will have a big effect on youth.
"The upcoming slash in minimum wage for teen students, starting June 26, will take a bite out of their pockets for sure," said Chita. "This will be affecting students 13 to 17 years old who are enrolled in an educational program. With the economic downturn within our province, our community of Didsbury was no exception."
Chita said that as a result of that economic downturn, many in the Didsbury business community are struggling to make ends meet.
"A common misconception is that if you own a business you must be rich," he said. "I am sure that some businesses will welcome the cut in wages to increase cash flow and bottom line, and perhaps spur on more hiring."
Chita said it will take some time before anyone can tell if the lowering of student minimum wage will affect prices.
"Business life is foundational to any community, and as time passes it is a wait and see if economic growth in Alberta takes a turn for the better," he said. "As it is a minimum wage, businesses still have the option to maintain the current $15 an hour, or someplace in the middle, or above, for our working youth."
Darrah Selanders, president of the Carstairs Chamber of Commerce, believes the upcoming changes will benefit young workers.
"I am excited for the opportunities the reduction in minimum wage has for students in our community," said Selanders. "There are not many job opportunities available to students because of the limited number of employers.
"Any incentive for those employers or others to allow students to garner experience and earn a wage is a win for everyone in our community."
A call to Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills UCP MLA Nathan Cooper seeking comment was not returned at press time.
