United Way Lethbridge & South Western Alberta in collaboration with the Alberta Living Wage Network (ALWN or “the Network”) has released a new living wage of $22.30 per hour for Lethbridge. The living wage has increased by $2.30 over last year. That increase is tied directly to increases in rent, food & household costs, transportation and childcare including supplemental fees.
The living wage is defined as the hourly wage a worker needs to earn to cover their basic expenses and have a modest standard of living once government transfers have been added and taxes have been subtracted. The calculation is based on the income needs of three household types: a two-parent family with two young children; a lone-parent family with one child; and a single individual. It assumes that each adult is working full-time hours and includes savings for unexpected costs, continuing education, child care, and a small amount which allows people to participate in the community.
Jaci Zalesak, Executive Director of United Way Lethbridge & South Western Alberta noted that the living wage calculation reflects what is happening in our community. “The living wage for 2025 had a 11.5% increase over last year. Higher shelter and household costs are putting added strain on family budgets. With the minimum wage at $15 per hour that is only about 2/3’s of what a worker needs to cover basic needs and participate in the community. Women (6 in 10 minimum wage earners) and immigrants (more than 1 in 3) are disproportionately affected by the gap between a minimum wage and a living wage. Continuing to support affordability measures will ensure our community remains a great place to live and work.”
“Each year, we work with communities across Alberta to update their living wage calculations and gain insight into what it costs to live in this province. As the cost of living rises in many communities, we’re so grateful for the employers who commit to paying a living wage. A living wage means healthier workers and sustainable local economies, which contribute to vibrant communities where people can thrive.” says Ryan Lacanilao, Economist, Alberta Living Wage Network.
“The Social Health Equity Network of Lethbridge and Area (SHENLA) encourages the City of Lethbridge and more businesses in our community to become living wage employers. Paying a living wage assures that employees and their families can meet their basic needs with dignity and can participate in community life. Currently, there is a gap of $7.30 per hour between the minimum wage and a living wage in Lethbridge.” Sharon Yanicki, Chair of the Social Health Equity Network of Lethbridge and Area. As more employers are able to pay the living wage, there would be a ripple effect of investment back into the community as well as better overall health and well-being.
As a certified living wage employer, Dwayne Huber of Airtech Heating & Air Conditioning says. “Airtech strongly supports the Living Wage and encourages all business owners to do the same. People struggle to make ends meet and are worth far more than Alberta’s $15 minimum wage requirement (the lowest in Canada set PRE-COVID in 2018). A Living Wage provides dignity and pride in being able to take care of one’s own needs as well as their families, and taking this burden off of workers allows us to focus on further training and development to grow the staff that we need. We believe that we get what we give and a Living Wage is an important part of this process.”
The Alberta Living Wage is reviewed annually and announced for each participating community.
Resources:
Learn more about Lethbridge’s living wage calculation: https://www.livingwagealberta.ca/reports