Canada Minimum Wage: Province-by-Province Breakdown (2024)

In Canada, minimum wage is set by each province and territory, not by the federal government. This means the amount you earn per hour can vary depending on where you live. This article will give you a rundown of the current minimum wage rates, upcoming increases, and a brief history of minimum wage in Canada.

Current Minimum Wage Rates

Here’s a table outlining the current minimum wage rates across all Canadian provinces and territories:

Province/Territory	Minimum Wage
Newfoundland and Labrador	$14.50
Prince Edward Island	$14.50
Nova Scotia	$15.20 (effective April 1, 2024)
New Brunswick	$15.30 (effective April 1, 2024)
Quebec	$15.55
Ontario	$16.55 (increases to $17.20 on Oct 1, 2024)
Manitoba	$15.30 (effective October 1, 2023)
Saskatchewan	$14.75
Alberta	$15.00
British Columbia	$17.40 (effective June 1, 2024)
Yukon	$16.00
Northwest Territories	$18.20
Nunavut	$19.00 (effective January 1, 2024)

Note: Some provinces have different minimum wage rates for specific groups of workers, such as liquor servers or young workers. Be sure to check with your provincial government’s labour website for detailed information.

Upcoming Minimum Wage Increase

Several provinces have already announced minimum wage increases for later in 2024:

• Ontario: Increase to $17.20 on October 1, 2024.
• Manitoba: Potential increase tied to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) – exact date and amount to be determined.

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Keep in mind: This information is current as of July 22, 2024. It’s always recommended to check your provincial government’s labour website for the most recent updates on minimum wage rates and any upcoming changes.

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A Brief History of Minimum Wage in Canada:

• Minimum wage was first introduced in Canada in 1918 in Quebec.
• Over the years, all provinces and territories have adopted minimum wage legislation.
• The federal government sets a minimum wage for federally regulated industries (e.g., banking, airlines). However, if a province has a higher minimum wage, that rate applies.
• Minimum wage rates are reviewed and adjusted periodically by each province and territory to keep pace with the cost of living.

Understanding minimum wage rates is crucial for both employees and employers. Employees should be aware of the minimum wage they are legally entitled to receive, while employers need to ensure they are complying with labor laws.