Alberta Labour Minister Christina Gray took the opportunity Friday, June 24th, to restate the NDP's commitment to raising the minimum wage.

At a small shaving supply shop in the heart of Inglewood, Gray was joined by owner Kevin Kent of 'Kent in Inglewood' to discuss the benefits of raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2018.

"The $15 minimum wage will allow lower income Albertans to be able to meet their basic needs and take care of their families," said Gray.

Of the 300,000 Albertans who earn less than $15 an hour, more than 50% work full time.

Gray and Kent both agreed that no one who works full time should live in poverty.

"We want our staff to have the economic security the need to come to work in the morning feeling proud and ready to serve out customers. We've found that paying a fair wage to employees reduces turnover and increases productivity. It's good for our staff, good for our customers and great for my business," said Kent.

The NDP feels that a higher minimum wage will not only help low wage Albertans meet their needs, but also reduce the burden on social support programs, like food banks, and increase their spending power.