Starting September 1, the province will raise the minimum wage by 60 cents, from $8.80 per hour to $9.40 per hour.

This will come as a relief to workers who saw the last change back in 2009, when it rose 40 cents from $8.40 per hour.

The province issued a freeze on minimum wage in 2010 as a result of the recession and Canada's Economic Action Plan.

Alberta will also introduce a new minimum wage tailored to liquor servers, recognizing these employees also earn tips.

The rate change represents a 6.8 percent increase for general workers and a 2.8 percent increase for liquor servers.

Thomas Lukaszuk, Alberta's Minister of Employment and Immigration says that while just over one percent of employees earn minimum wage, he wants to ensure it is reasonable. "We also want to maintain the important balance between attracting people into entry-level positions and helping their employers remain competitive."

He also said that a different wage for liquor servers identifies that these workers earn a good portion of their wages through tips. "It will also give business owners greater flexibility in the way they pay other staff, such as cooks and dishwashers."

The minimum wage for liquor servers will remain at $9.05 per hour until the general minimum wage reaches $10.05 per hour.

From that point on, both wage rates will increase and the $1 differential will be maintained.

Employers and employees with questions about minimum wage can contact the Employment Standards Contact Centre at 780-427-3731, or toll-free at 1-877-427-3731, or visit employment.alberta.ca/es for more information.