Last Updated On 2 October 2024, 11:00 AM EDT (Toronto Time)
Starting October 1, 2024, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Prince Edward Island will implement new minimum wage rates.
This change is part of an annual adjustment by Canadian provinces to ensure that wages reflect the cost of living and other economic factors.
Here’s what you need to know about these updates, along with the current and upcoming wage changes across other provinces in Canada.
British Columbia and Quebec have already increased their minimum hourly wages earlier this year.
British Columbia raised its minimum hourly wage to $17.40 per hour on June 1, 2024, while Quebec followed suit with an increase on May 1, 2024, pushing their minimum wage to $15.75 per hour.
The Federal minimum hourly wages for workers in federally regulated private sectors was also increased to $17.30 on April 1, 2024.
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The minimum wage is the lowest hourly wage that employers are legally required to pay their employees.
Each province and territory sets it on their own, and they periodically adjust it to account for inflation and living expenses.
This wage applies to all employees, regardless of their age or the number of hours worked. Paying workers below the minimum wage is illegal in Canada.
New Minimum Wage in Ontario
In Ontario, the minimum wage will rise from the current $16.55 per hour to $17.20 per hour on October 1, 2024, marking a $0.65 increase.
This is part of the province’s annual wage adjustment.
Special Categories in Ontario
- Students under 18: The minimum wage for students working 28 hours or fewer per week during the school year or full-time during breaks will increase from $15.60 to $16.20 per hour.
- Homeworkers: Employees who perform paid work from home will see their wages increase from $18.20 to $18.90 per hour.
- Hunting, fishing, and wilderness guides: Workers in this sector will receive a new minimum daily wage of $82.85 (up from $77.60) for shifts under five hours, and $165.75 (up from $155.25) for shifts longer than five hours.
According to the Ontario Living Wage Network, the living wage in many regions is around $20 per hour, and it surpasses $25 per hour in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).
Labour activists have long been pushing for a $20 per hour minimum wage in Ontario, citing the need for a wage that reflects current living costs.
Manitoba’s New Minimum Wage
Manitoba will increase its minimum wage to $15.80 per hour, up from the current $15.30 per hour.
In 2023, Manitoba saw two wage increases, bringing the rate up by a total of $1.80 per hour.
The province adjusts its minimum wage based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI), and the next revisions are expected on October 1, 2025.
Minimum Wage Increase in Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan will implement a minimum wage hike from $14.00 to $15.00 per hour, effective October 1, 2024.
The last increase occurred on October 1, 2023, when the minimum wage was raised from $13.00 to $14.00 per hour.
This marks another step in Saskatchewan’s gradual effort to improve wage standards.
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 $15.40 per hour.
The most recent increase took effect on April 1, 2024, and this new adjustment will further support workers in the province.
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 |
The nationwide trend toward raising minimum hourly wages reflects the effort to keep wages aligned with inflation and the cost of living.
Stay updated on upcoming changes as provinces continue to adjust their rates annually.
Which Canadian provinces will increase their minimum hourly wage on October 1?
Ontario: $17.20 per hour, effective October 1, 2024.
Manitoba: $15.80 per hour, effective October 1, 2024.
Saskatchewan: $15.00 per hour, effective October 1, 2024.
Prince Edward Island: $16.00 per hour, effective October 1, 2024.
Which Canadian Province Has the Highest Minimum hourly wage?
As of June 1, 2024, British Columbia holds the highest minimum hourly wage in Canada at $17.40 per hour. This rate is expected to increase again on June 1, 2025.
What is the minimum wage in Ontario?
As of October 1, 2023, Ontario’s minimum hourly wage is set at $16.55 per hour. This rate is slated to rise to $17.20 per hour starting October 1, 2024.
When will Ontario’s minimum hourly wage increase?
Ontario’s minimum hourly wage is scheduled for an increase on October 1, 2024, raising the hourly rate to $17.20.
What is Manitoba’s minimum hourly wage?
Manitoba’s current minimum hourly wage stands at $15.30 per hour, effective from October 1, 2023. It will rise to $15.80 per hour on October 1, 2024.
What is the minimum hourly wage in Saskatchewan?
Saskatchewan’s minimum hourly wage is currently $14.00 per hour as of October 1, 2023. This rate will increase to $15.00 per hour on October 1, 2024.
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