Starting today, October 1, 2024, four Canadian provinces—Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Prince Edward Island—are increasing their minimum wage rates. This article provides a detailed breakdown of the new wage rates and what it means for workers in each province.
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Earlier this year, several provinces and territories adjusted their minimum wage rates. British Columbia implemented its raise on June 1, 2024, while Quebec followed suit on May 1, 2024. The federal minimum wage, which applies to federally regulated sectors, increased to $17.30 per hour on April 1, 2024.
The minimum wage is the legally mandated lowest hourly wage that an employer can pay an employee. This applies to all workers, regardless of age or hours worked. Paying below the minimum wage is illegal in Canada.
Ontario’s New Minimum Wage: $17.20 per Hour
As of today, Ontario’s minimum wage now stands at $17.20 per hour, marking a $0.65 increase from the previous rate of $16.55. Key wage increases include:
- General minimum wage: $17.20 (up from $16.55)
- Students under 18: $16.20 (up from $15.60)
- Homeworkers: $18.90 (up from $18.20)
Despite this increase, the Ontario Living Wage Network estimates that the living wage in many regions is around $20 per hour, with some areas exceeding $25.
Manitoba’s New Minimum Wage: $15.80 per Hour
Manitoba’s minimum wage has increased to $15.80 per hour, reflecting a $0.50 increase from $15.30. This change follows two previous raises in 2023, emphasizing the province’s commitment to addressing inflation. The next increase is expected on October 1, 2025.
Saskatchewan’s New Minimum Wage: $15 per Hour
Saskatchewan has raised its minimum wage to $15.00 per hour, a $1.00 increase from $14.00. This adjustment reflects ongoing efforts to align wages with the rising cost of living. The last increase occurred on October 1, 2023.
Prince Edward Island’s New Minimum Wage: $16 per Hour
Workers in Prince Edward Island will now earn $16.00 per hour, an increase from $15.40. This follows a previous raise in April 2024, showing the province’s ongoing adjustments to economic conditions.
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Alberta’s Minimum Wage: No Increase Since 2018
Alberta remains the only province in Canada that has not increased its minimum wage since 2018, when it was set at $15.00 per hour. Workers and labor groups in Alberta are advocating for an increase to reflect current living costs.
The October 1, 2024, minimum wage increases in Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Prince Edward Island mark a significant step toward fairer compensation for workers. While these changes are beneficial, many provinces face ongoing calls for further increases to match rising living costs, especially in high-cost areas like the Greater Toronto Area and Vancouver.
Latest Minimum Wage Rates Across Canada
| Province/Territory | Current Hourly Minimum Wage | Next Raise Date |
|---|---|---|
| Canada (Federal) | $17.30 | April 1, 2025 |
| Ontario | $17.20 | October 1, 2024 |
| Manitoba | $15.80 | October 1, 2025 |
| Saskatchewan | $15.00 | October 1, 2024 |
| Prince Edward Island | $16.00 | October 1, 2024 |
| Alberta | $15.00 | October 1, 2024 |
As the cost of living continues to rise across Canada, workers and labor organizations are likely to keep advocating for minimum wage rates that better reflect the true cost of living.
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