On October 1, 2024, four Canadian provinces—Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Nova Scotia—will implement minimum new wage increases to support workers as inflation and cost of living rise. Here’s a detailed look at the upcoming changes.
Ontario: Minimum new Wage Increase to $16.55 Per Hour
Ontario is set to increase its general minimum wage to $16.55 per hour, up from the current $15.50 per hour. This is the second wage hike in 2024, with the first increase occurring in January, reflecting the government’s commitment to ensuring fair compensation for workers facing inflationary pressures. The province has one of the highest minimum wages in Canada, and this adjustment is expected to directly benefit approximately 900,000 workers, particularly those in retail, hospitality, and other service industries.
The wage hike applies to various categories of workers:
- General Minimum Wage Workers: The Ontario Living Wage Network reports that the living wage is approximately $20 per hour in several areas and more than $25 per hour in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).
- Students Under 18: Their minimum wage will increase to $15.60 per hour, up from $14.60.
- Homeworkers: Their new minimum wage will be $18.90 per hour, an increase from the previous rate of $18.20.
- Hunting, fishing, and wilderness guides: For jobs under five hours, workers in this industry will now get a minimum daily salary of $82.85, up from $77.60, and for periods more than five hours, up from $155.25, to $165.75.
This change is designed to boost incomes for low-wage workers and help mitigate the impact of rising inflation.
Ontario’s minimum new wage increase to $16.55 per hour builds on the Working for Workers Four Act, 2024, which introduces new protections for millions of workers. This includes ensuring that restaurant, hospitality, and service workers are protected from having wages deducted in dine-and-dash situations, improving support for injured workers, and eliminating the requirement for Canadian work experience in job postings—a first in Canada. Approximately 35% of workers earning at or below minimum wage are in retail, while 24% are in accommodation and food services.
Manitoba: Minimum Wage Raised to $15.30 Per Hour
Manitoba will also see a significant increase in its minimum wage, rising to $15.30 per hour from $14.15. This jump reflects the provincial government’s efforts to keep wages competitive with other regions and support workers through challenging economic times. The increase follows a consistent trend of wage hikes across the province, and it’s expected to positively impact workers in various sectors, especially those in retail, hospitality, and food services.
The government has taken these steps to reduce income inequality and ensure that wages keep pace with inflation and the rising cost of basic goods.
Manitoba: Minimum Wage Raised to $15.30 Per Hour
Manitoba will also see a significant increase in its minimum wage, rising to $15.80 per hour from $15.20. This jump reflects the provincial government’s efforts to keep wages competitive with other regions and support workers through challenging economic times. The increase follows a consistent trend of wage hikes across the province, and it’s expected to positively impact workers in various sectors, especially those in retail, hospitality, and food services.
The government has taken these steps to reduce income inequality and ensure that wages keep pace with inflation and the rising cost of basic goods.The Consumer Price Index (CPI) is used by the province to determine minimum wage adjustments, and the next revisions are anticipated on October 1, 2025.
Saskatchewan: Minimum Wage Set to Increase to $15.00 Per Hour
Saskatchewan will raise its minimum wage from $14.00 to $15.00 per hour starting October 1, 2024. This follows the previous increase on October 1, 2023, when the wage was boosted from $13.00 to $14.00 per hour. The gradual increases highlight Saskatchewan’s ongoing effort to improve wage standards and provide better financial support for its workers.
Prince Edward Island Minimum Wage Raise
Prince Edward Island will increase its minimum wage to $16.00 per hour, up from the current rate of $16.00 per hour. The most recent modification, which went into effect on April 1, 2024, will help workers in the province even more.
Minimum Wage Rates Across Canada and Scheduled Increases
| 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 |
How you can land a great opportunity in Canada
Canadian employers value several key traits in employees, including communication skills, which are essential for clear interaction with colleagues and clients; customer service expertise, ensuring a positive experience for clients; teamwork, the ability to collaborate and contribute effectively to group efforts; problem-solving, showcasing creativity and initiative in overcoming challenges; and adaptability and flexibility, which demonstrate an employee’s capacity to adjust to changing situations and tasks. These qualities are crucial across various industries for maintaining a productive and harmonious workplace.
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