Starting from October 1, 2023, the new minimum wage in Canada will increase in six of the ten provinces: Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Prince Edward Island.
In the current year, British Columbia increased its minimum wage on June 1, while Quebec did so on May 1.
The minimum wage rate in Alberta has remained unchanged in the recent past. However, on April 1, 2023, the Canadian Government raised the federal minimum wage to $16.65.
The minimum wage represents the lowest hourly rate established by Canadian provinces, serving as the legal floor below which businesses cannot hire any employees.
If the minimum wage set by the province is higher than the federal minimum wage, the worker should be paid the higher amount.
The minimum wage is the least amount of money an employer can pay someone for an hour of work in a specific area.
To get a job, a worker should be paid at least this minimum wage, and employers can’t pay them less than that.
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New Minimum Wage in Ontario
Starting October 1, 2023, individuals employed in Ontario will receive a new minimum hourly wage of $16.55. This marks an increase of $1.05 over the existing rate of $15.50 an hour.
On January 1, 2022, the minimum wage in Ontario was set at $15 per hour. Then, on October 1, 2022, it went up to $15.50.
According to the Ontario government, this increase means that individuals earning the minimum wage and working 40 hours per week will witness a yearly salary boost of over $2,200.
As reported by the Ontario Living Wage Network, the living wage varies across different parts of Ontario, standing at $19 per hour in many areas and exceeding $23 per hour in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).
Additionally, students under the age of 18, who work either 28 hours or less per week during the school term or during school vacations and summer holidays, will also experience an increase in their hourly wage, going from $14.60 to $15.60.
Homeworkers, those who perform paid work from their homes for companies, will see their minimum wage rise from $17.05 to $18.20 per hour.
Furthermore, minimum wages for hunting, fishing, and wilderness guides will increase from $77.60 to $82.85 per day when working fewer than five continuous hours and from $155.25 to $165.75 per day when working five or more hours.
New Minimum Wage in Manitoba
From October 1, 2023, the minimum wage rate in Manitoba will increase from its current rate of $14.15 to $15.30 per hour, marking a $1.15 increase.
On April 1, 2023, Manitoba raised the minimum wage by $0.65, making it $14.15 per hour.
New Minimum Wage in Newfoundland and Labrador
In 2023, Newfoundland and Labrador, a Canadian province, is making the minimum wage higher for the second time this year.
Previously, on April 1, 2023, the province raised the minimum wage from $13.70 to $14.50 per hour.
Starting on October 1, 2023, the minimum wage in Newfoundland and Labrador will be increased to $15.00 per hour.
New Minimum Wage In Nova Scotia
In 2023, Nova Scotia is making the minimum wage higher for the second time this year.
Previously, on April 1, 2023, the province raised the minimum wage from $13.60 to $14.50 per hour, a $1.40 increase.
Starting on October 1, 2023, the minimum wage in Nova Scotia will be increased to $15.00 per hour.
New Minimum Wage In Prince Edward Island
As of October 1, 2023, employees in PEI will see an increase in their minimum wage rate by 50 cents, rising from the current $14.50 per hour to $15.00 per hour. This marks the second minimum wage increase in PEI for the year 2023.
On January 1, 2023, PEI increased the minimum wage from $13.70 to $14.50 an hour, adding 80 cents to the hourly rate.
New Minimum Wage In Saskatchewan
From October 1, 2023, the minimum wage in Saskatchewan will be raised to $14.00 per hour, up from the current rate of $13.
The last time the Saskatchewan government increased the minimum wage was on October 1, 2022. They raised it from $11.81 to $13.00 per hour.
6 Canadian Provinces with New Minimum Wage Rates from October 1, 2023
| Province | Existing Minimum Wage Rate, per Hour | New Minimum Wage Rate, per Hour |
| Ontario | $15.50 | $16.55 |
| Manitoba | $14.15 | $15.30 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $14.50 | $15.00 |
| Nova Scotia | $14.50 | $15.00 |
| Prince Edward Island (PEI) | $14.50 | $15.00 |
| Saskatchewan | $13.00 | $14.00 |
Minimum wage rate increased in 2023 by other provinces
| Province | Minimum Wage Rate, per Hour | Effective from |
| British Columbia | $16.75 | June 1, 2024 |
| New Brunswick | $14.75 | April 1, 2024 |
| Quebec | $15.25 | May 1, 2024 |
| Nunavut | $ 16.00 | April 24, 2024 |
| Yukon | $ 16.77 | April 1, 2024 |
| Northwest Territories | $ 16.05 | September 1, 2024 |
Out of all the provinces, Alberta is the only one that hasn’t raised its minimum wage since 2018.
Which province in Canada has the highest minimum wage?
As of June 1, 2023, British Columbia has the highest minimum wage in Canada at $16.75 per hour. It’s expected to go up even more on June 1, 2024.
Conclusion:
Staying informed about minimum wage changes is crucial for both employees and employers. These adjustments affect your paycheck and the financial health of businesses.
As the cost of living changes, keeping minimum wage rates up to date ensures fair compensation for workers and compliance for businesses.
If you have more questions or need assistance, reach out to your local labor authorities. Stay informed and be prepared for a better future.
