Canada increases Minimum wage rate to keep up
As April 1st nears, several provinces across Canada are poised to implement changes to their Canada increases minimum wage rate. These adjustments come after thorough reviews and deliberations by provincial governments to ensure that the minimum wage keeps up with the cost of living and offers fair compensation to workers.f
Recently, the federal minimum wage underwent an inflation-related adjustment. Initiated on April 1, 2022, the federal minimum wage has been annually revised based on the average annual increase in the Consumer Price Index. This was a significant development at the time. In October 2023, six provinces also raised their minimum wages. However, on March 24, 2024, the Canadian government announced an increase in the federal minimum wage from $16.65 to $17.30 per hour, effective April 1, 2024. Notably, the minimum wage had risen by $1.10 in April 2023, compared to a 65-cent increase in 2024.
Here’s a breakdown of the provincial minimum wage increases:
- Yukon’s minimum wage will rise by 82 cents to $17.59 per hour, in addition to the federal increase, positioning it as the second-highest minimum wage after Nunavut.
- Nova Scotia’s minimum wage, currently at $15 per hour, will increase to $15.20 per hour.
- New Brunswick will see its minimum wage go up by 55 cents to $15.30 per hour, up from $14.75.
- Newfoundland and Labrador’s minimum wage will rise by 60 cents to $15.60 per hour, effective April 1, 2024.
- Prince Edward Island (PEI) will also see a 40-cent increase in its minimum wage to $15.40 per hour, effective April 1.
All Canadian provinces’ Minimum wages as well as the Next Raise Schedule
To keep pace with inflation and maintain equitable pay standards, both the federal government and most provincial governments regularly review and adjust Canada increases Minimum wage rate.
| Province / Territory | Current hourly Minimum Wage | Next Raise Schedule |
| Canada (only federally regulated private sectors) | $16.65 | $17.30 per hour, effective April 1, 2024 |
| Yukon | $16.77 | $17.59 per hour, effective April 1, 2024 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $15.00 | $15.60 per hour, effective April 1, 2024 |
| Nova Scotia | $15.00 | $15.20 per hour, effective April 1, 2024. |
| Prince Edward Island | $15.00 | $15.40 per hour, effective April 1, 2024 |
| New Brunswick | $14.75 | $15.30 per hour, effective April 1, 2024 |
| Nunavut | $19.00 | Yet to be decided |
| British Columbia | $16.75 | $17.40 per hour, effective June 1, 2024 |
| Ontario | $16.55 | minimum wage is to be revised on October 1, 2024 |
| Northwest Territories | $16.05 | Yet to be decided |
| Manitoba | $15.30 | $15.80 per hour, effective October 1, 2024 |
| Quebec | $15.25 | $15.75 per hour, effective May 1, 2024 |
| Alberta | $15.00 | Yet to be decided |
| Saskatchewan | $14.00 | $15 per hour, effective October 1, 2024 |
The federal minimum wage is mandatory for all federally regulated commercial sectors operating in Canada, including banking, postal and courier services, and interprovincial air, rail, road, and maritime transportation. If the minimum wage in their province or territory is higher than the federal minimum wage, workers in these industries also get a higher rate.
