UCP leader says his government would consider reducing minimum wage for some

EDMONTON — Alberta United Conservative Leader Jason Kenney says if his party wins power it will seriously consider bringing in changes to reduce the minimum wage for youth and for alcohol servers.

Kenney, speaking in Edmonton to restaurant owners, says this would help struggling eateries keep their doors open while allowing them to hire more people.

And he says alcohol servers have told him they would rather have the extra hours than the extra wage because they can make far more in tips.

The industry advocacy group Restaurants Canada says Alberta’s $15-an-hour minimum wage, along with higher fees and increased regulations under the NDP government, have dramatically increased the costs of doing business.