As of April 1, 2025, several updates to minimum wage rates across Canada have taken effect or are scheduled to roll out later this year. These changes impact both federally regulated industries and workers governed by provincial or territorial labor standards. This guide outlines the most important updates to help employers and employees stay compliant and informed.

Federal Minimum Wage (Effective April 1, 2025)

The federal minimum wage has increased to $17.75 per hour, applying to employees in federally regulated sectors such as:

1. Air and rail transportation
2. Banking
3. Postal services
4. Broadcasting
5. Interprovincial and international transportation

If a province or territory sets a higher minimum wage than the federal rate, employers must pay the higher of the two.

Minimum Wage Changes by Province and Territory (2025)

British Columbia

June 1, 2025: Minimum wage increases to $17.85/hour (up from $17.40 in 2024).

Applies to residential caregivers, live-in support workers, camp leaders, and app-based delivery and ride-hailing workers.

New Brunswick

April 1, 2025: Minimum wage set at $15.65/hour.

Newfoundland and Labrador

April 1, 2025: Minimum wage increases to $16.00/hour.

Nova Scotia

April 1, 2025: Minimum wage is $15.70/hour.

October 1, 2025: Scheduled to increase to $16.50/hour, with future annual adjustments based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) plus 1%.

Quebec

May 1, 2025: Minimum wage increases from $15.75 to $16.10/hour.

Yukon

April 1, 2025: Minimum wage is set at $17.94/hour, adjusted annually based on the Whitehorse CPI.

Ontario

October 1, 2025: Minimum wage will rise from $17.20 to $17.60/hour.

Manitoba

October 1, 2025: Minimum wage increases from $15.80 to $16.00/hour.

Nunavut

January 1, 2024 (current): Remains Canada’s highest at $19.00/hour.

Northwest Territories

September 1, 2024: Minimum wage is $16.70/hour, with annual CPI-based adjustments.

Prince Edward Island

October 1, 2025: Minimum wage will increase to $16.50/hour.

Saskatchewan

October 1, 2024 (current): Minimum wage remains at $15.00/hour.

Alberta

June 26, 2019 (current): Minimum wage remains at $15.00/hour, with no new increase announced.

Summary of Key Trends

1. The highest minimum wage in Canada is currently in Nunavut at $19.00/hour.
2. Federally regulated workers are now entitled to at least $17.75/hour, unless a higher provincial or territorial rate applies.
3. Provinces such as British Columbia, Ontario, Nova Scotia, and Yukon are introducing increases that reflect inflation and regional economic conditions.
4. Some jurisdictions, including Nova Scotia and Yukon, are linking future increases to the CPI, providing predictable annual updates.

Staying Informed

Understanding minimum wage laws is essential for payroll compliance and fair labor practices. Both employers and workers should stay informed about wage updates in their respective regions.

For the most current and detailed information, visit the official Government of Canada minimum wage page.