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New minimum wage rates in Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Prince Edward Island will take effect on October 1, 2024.
The Canadian provinces examine salaries annually to adjust pay to reflect inflation and other economic factors.
Summary of Recent and Upcoming Minimum Wage Changes in Canada
Here is a summary of these revisions, as well as information on current and impending pay changes in Canada’s provinces.
Earlier this year, the minimum hourly wage was increased in Quebec and British Columbia. On June 1, 2024, British Columbia raised its minimum wage to $17.40 per hour. Quebec implemented a similar change on May 1, 2024, raising the minimum wage to $15.75 per hour.
Additionally, the federal minimum wage for employees in federally regulated private sectors increased to $17.30 per hour on April 1, 2024.
What is Minimum Wage?
The minimum wage is the lowest per-hour rate employers are required by law to pay their employees.
Each province and territory sets the minimum wage which is frequently updated to reflect changes in living expenses and inflation.
All employees are subject to this wage rate regardless of their age or number of hours worked. In Canada, paying employees less than the minimum wage is against the law.
New Minimum Wage in Ontario
Starting October 1, 2024, Ontario will increase its minimum wage from $16.55 per hour to $17.20 per hour, reflecting a $0.65 raise.
This change is part of the province’s routine annual wage adjustment.
Minimum Wage Adjustments for Specific Groups in Ontario
Students under 18: The minimum wage for students working 28 hours or fewer per week during the school year, or full-time during school breaks, will go up from $15.60 to $16.20 per hour.
Homeworkers: Employees who work from home will have their minimum wage raised from $18.20 to $18.90 per hour.
Hunting, fishing, and wilderness guides: For this group, the minimum daily wage will increase to $82.85 for shifts under five hours (previously $77.60) and to $165.75 for shifts over five hours (up from $155.25).
According to the Ontario Living Wage Network, the living wage in many areas is approximately $20 per hour, and in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), it exceeds $25 per hour.
Labor advocates have been calling for a $20 per hour minimum wage in Ontario, arguing that the current rates should better reflect today’s living expenses.
Updated Minimum Wage in Manitoba
Manitoba’s minimum wage will rise from $15.30 per hour to $15.80 per hour.
In 2023, the province made two wage increases, resulting in a total raise of $1.80 per hour.
The minimum wage in Manitoba is adjusted according to the Consumer Price Index (CPI), with the next update scheduled for October 1, 2025.
Minimum Wage Increase in Saskatchewan
On October 1, 2024, Saskatchewan will raise its minimum wage from $14.00 to $15.00 per hour.
The previous increase was on October 1, 2023, when the rate was adjusted from $13.00 to $14.00 per hour.
This is part of Saskatchewan’s ongoing effort to enhance wage standards.
Prince Edward Island Minimum Wage Update
Prince Edward Island’s minimum wage will rise from $15.40 to $16.00 per hour.
The last adjustment occurred on April 1, 2024, and this upcoming increase aims to further support workers in the province.
Minimum Wage Rates Across Canada and Upcoming Adjustments
| Province/Territory | Current Minimum Wage | Next Increase Date |
| Canada (Federally regulated sectors) | $17.30 | April 1, 2025 |
| Yukon | $17.59 | April 1, 2025 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $15.60 | April 1, 2025 |
| Nova Scotia | $15.20 | April 1, 2025 |
| Prince Edward Island | $15.40 | $16.00 – October 1, 2024 |
| New Brunswick | $15.30 | April 1, 2025 |
| Nunavut | $19.00 | To be determined |
| British Columbia | $17.40 | June 1, 2025 |
| Ontario | $16.55 | $17.20 – October 1, 2024 |
| Northwest Territories | $16.05 | To be determined |
| Manitoba | $15.30 | $15.80 – October 1, 2024 |
| Quebec | $15.75 | May 1, 2025 |
| Alberta | $15.00 | To be determined |
| Saskatchewan | $14.00 | $15.00 – October 1, 2024 |
The goal of the national movement to raise the minimum wage is to guarantee that earnings rise in line with the rate of inflation and rising living expenses.
Be aware of impending adjustments since provinces alter their fees on an annual basis.
Which Province in Canada Has the Highest Minimum Hourly Wage?
As of June 1, 2024, British Columbia features the highest minimum hourly wage in Canada, currently at $17.40 per hour. This rate is expected to rise once more on June 1, 2025.
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