Starting today, on October 1, 2023, the new minimum wage in Canada has increased in six of the ten provinces: Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Prince Edward Island.
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.
Read More: New Minimum Wage In 6 Canadian Provinces To Increase From October 1, 2023
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
Effective today (October 1, 2023) individuals employed in Ontario are receiving 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.
About 900,000 workers in the province now earn $2,200 more due to this change in their minimum wages.
People in Ontario can expect their next pay increase on October 1, 2024. After one year, the hourly wage is expected to rise to $17.50.
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.
Student Minimum Wage in Ontario
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.
New Minimum Wage in Manitoba
The minimum wage rate in Manitoba has now increased from $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.
The province will resume annual adjustments according to the provincial Consumer Price Index (CPI). The next rate change is expected on October 1, 2024.
New Minimum Wage in Newfoundland and Labrador
Effective today, the minimum wage in Newfoundland and Labrador has increased to $15.00 per hour.
In 2023, Newfoundland and Labrador, a Canadian province, is raising the minimum wage 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.
The Ministry is currently reviewing the Minimum Wage Review Committee’s suggestion to raise minimum wage rates by inflation plus 1% annually post-2024.
New Minimum Wage In Nova Scotia
Effective today, the minimum wage in Nova Scotia has increased to $15.00 per hour.
In 2023, Nova Scotia is raising the minimum wage 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.
The minimum wage rate will be adjusted annually starting from October 1, 2024, to account for inflation, along with an additional 1% increment.
New Minimum Wage In Prince Edward Island
Effective today, October 1, 2023, the minimum wage in Prince Edward Island (PEI) now increased to $15 per hour, aligning with the rates in other Atlantic provinces.
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
Today the minimum wage in Saskatchewan has 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.
Saskatchewan increases the minimum wage every year. In 2024, it will go up to more than $15 per hour.
6 Canadian Provinces with New Minimum Wage Rates Today
| Province | Previous 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 Next Raise Schedule
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, contact your local labor authorities. Stay informed and be prepared for a better future.
