Provinces adjust minimum wages as of October 2024

Provincial and territorial minimum wages

Alberta: Alberta's minimum wage has been frozen at $15 per hour since 2018, while a “student” minimum wage was created in 2019 at $13 per hour.

Ontario: Ontario increased its minimum wage to $17.20 per hour on October 1, 2024, which represents a 3.9 per cent increase from the previous rate of $16.55 per hour. This change was implemented to keep pace with inflation, and Ontario's minimum wage is now the second highest among the provinces, just behind British Columbia, which has a rate of $17.40 per hour.

British Columbia: The minimum wage in British Columbia rose to $17.40 per hour on June 1, 2024. The increase was aligned with the province's average inflation rate, ensuring that wages keep up with the cost of living.

New Brunswick: Effective April 1, 2024, New Brunswick raised its minimum wage from $14.75 to $15.30 per hour. This increase positions New Brunswick above Nova Scotia in terms of wage rate but remains below the estimated living wage in many cities.

Nova Scotia: On April 1, 2024, Nova Scotia increased its minimum wage to $15.20 per hour, part of ongoing increases linked to inflation. The adjustments aim to offer financial relief to low-income workers.

Prince Edward Island (P.E.I.): The minimum wage in P.E.I. increased to $16.00 per hour on October 1, 2024, in line with other Atlantic provinces.

Newfoundland and Labrador: The province's minimum wage is set at $15.60 per hour.

Saskatchewan: Saskatchewan increased its minimum wage to $15.00 per hour on October 1, 2024, aligning with a broader national trend of raising minimum wages to match inflation rates.

Manitoba: Manitoba's minimum wage was raised by 50 cents, bringing it to $15.80 per hour on October 1, 2024. This increase followed an annual adjustment in line with inflation.

Quebec: Quebec raised its minimum wage to $15.75 per hour on May 1, 2024. While this benefited nearly 299,000 workers, labour groups have argued that it is insufficient given the province's high inflation.

Yukon: The minimum wage in Yukon increased to $17.59 per hour as of March 13, 2024, maintaining one of the highest minimum wages in Canada due to the higher cost of living in this remote territory.

Northwest Territories: The minimum wage in the Northwest Territories was adjusted on September 1 to $16.70 per hour. There are ongoing reviews to ensure that wages adjust accordingly with inflation.

Nunavut: Nunavut’s minimum wage stands at $19.00 per hour, one of the highest in Canada, due to the high cost of living associated with the territory’s remote nature and cost of goods.

Federally regulated sectors: For workers in federally regulated sectors, the minimum wage increased to $17.30 per hour as of April 1, 2024, up from $16.65. This adjustment aligns with the Consumer Price Index, covering sectors like air transport, banking, telecommunications, and postal services.