Wibbly-Wobbly Ramblings

Alberta used to have the highest minimum wage in the country. Now it's the second lowest | CBC News

When Alberta hiked the province's minimum wage to $15 an hour in the fall of 2018, it was the highest rate in the country. But nearly six ye

CBC

When Alberta hiked the province's minimum wage to $15 an hour in the fall of 2018, it was the highest rate in the country. But nearly six years and a pandemic later, the minimum wage hasn't budged — even as Albertans face the highest inflation rate in Canada. Most provinces and territories are increasing their minimum wage this year, and those that aren't just raised theirs in 2023. That means one of Canada's wealthiest provinces is falling behind. Alberta now has the second-lowest minimum wage in the country. Saskatchewan remains at the bottom, at $14 an hour. Meaghon Reid, executive director of poverty reduction organization Vibrant Communities Calgary, said it's a far cry from Calgary's living wage, which sits at $23.70 and is calculated by the Alberta Living Wage Network.

Take Back Alberta Founder Vows to Fight Election Watchdog’s Investigation Into Donors

Far-right organizer David Parker admits there are large donors, warns “It’s a dangerous game messing with the powerful.”

PressProgress

Take Back Alberta is being subpoenaed to reveal its financial backers after repeated refusals by founder David Parker.

Parker has been summoned by the election watchdog Elections Alberta after repeatedly refusing to cooperate with investigators over the far-right group’s funding and political activity. 

He will appear in Edmonton on Friday with what he hopes will be a throng of supporters to join him in protest.

“Corruption at Elections Alberta must end,” Parker told PressProgress, in reference to his belief that the organization is controlled by his political enemies. “I have zero obligation to report to them under law.”

Nevertheless, Parker says he will speak to investigators Friday in Edmonton, which will likely involve many questions surrounding who funds the group. [...]

Alberta plans to dismantle provincewide health provider, may sell off care homes, leaked documents show | CBC News

Alberta is planning to dismantle its provincewide health provider and may sell off its publicly owned continuing-care facilities, say leaked

CBC

Alberta is planning to dismantle its provincewide health provider and may sell off its publicly owned continuing-care facilities, say leaked cabinet briefing documents released by the Opposition NDP. NDP Leader Rachel Notley says the proposal to break up Alberta Health Services would give complete political control over all health decisions to Premier Danielle Smith's cabinet. She says it would also bring chaos to the system and open the door to more privately delivered care. "[The United Conservative Party government] created this crisis, and now they want to blow up our health-care system completely," Notley told Smith and the UCP caucus during question period Tuesday. "What is wrong with you people?"