It may not be to $15 an hour, but minimum wage is going up in Alberta on Oct. 1, 2015.

In the first step towards the NDP government's minimum wage hike to $15 per hour, the general minimum wage is going up to $11.20 an hour, up from $10.20.

For servers, the minimum wage increases from $9.20 per hour to $10.70, in what the government calls the first of two steps to eliminate the differential rate altogether in 2016.

In a release, Premier Rachel Notley says it's a sign the NDP government is acting quickly on their decision to increase minimum wage.

"We have listened closely to Albertans and have taken their views and suggestions into account," she says. "Our plan includes a $1 increase to the general minimum wage this year, plus a two-year phase out of the liquor server rate. We will continue to consult with stakeholders as we move forward on our goal over the next three years."

In the same release, Minister of Jobs, Skills, Training and Labour, Lori Sigurdson, says the increase is a step towards workplace equality.

"Our vision is women thriving in a safe and equitable community" she says. "The government's work to increase minimum wage to $15 by 2018 is a huge step forward in ensuring Alberta women are earning a wage that enables them to thrive and support their families. We applaud this government's commitment and hope this will lead other provinces to move towards a minimum wage that allows our country to thrive."

Alberta's Liberal Leader, David Swann, was quick to slam the decision, and says the NDP's proposal lacks balance, and the increases should be accompanied by small business tax reductions.

Wild Rose Leader, Brian Jean, had a similar take on the increase.

“There has been zero economic analysis of the impact of the dramatic increase to the minimum wage,” Jean says. “We need to put on the brakes, listen to chambers, small businesses and job creators to make sure we understand the full impact of this planned 50 per cent increase.”