On Saturday, the minimum wage in Alberta will go up by one dollar, one step closer to the Alberta government’s goal of raising the minimum wage in Alberta to $15 per hour.

Starting on Saturday, October 1, minimum wage earners in Alberta will see their pay go up when the wage is increased to $12.20 per hour.

In addition, the lower minimum wage for liquor servers will also be eliminated.

Reaction to the change is mixed, with some saying now is not a good time for a wage increase. Amber Ruddy, with the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) in Alberta said the wage hike will force about a quarter of employers to lay off workers.

The CFIB also criticized the Alberta government for implementing this new policy in the midst of an economic downturn.

“While businesses are struggling with insufficient demands for their products, the government can best help by postponing these policies while the economy recovers,” Ruddy said.

Premier Rachel Notley says the government doesn’t believe the increase will result in job losses, instead, the premier said it will help the lowest paid workers make a living wage, and in turn, help the economy.

“I believe in the long term we’ll find that having a minimum wage that is modeled on trying to get the living wage is one that will grow the economy,” Notley said.

After this increase, the province said it will be raised again in the coming years, to reach $15.

With files from Angela Jung