New Minimum Wage Rate Updates for Canadian Employers

What are the Canada Minimum Wage Rate Updates for Employers in 2024?

While there have been several minimum wage increases in United States jurisdictions at the start of this year, it’s time to turn our attention north, as Canada has several provincial wage rate updates – on top of a federal minimum wage update – this spring. Below is a breakdown of the current minimum wage rates in effect in each jurisdiction, including those at the federal, territorial, and provincial level. 

Canada’s Federal Minimum Wage 

The minimum wage for federally regulated industries and workplaces in Canada, which includes businesses in air transportation, banks, port services, broadcasting, postal services, etc., updated to $17.30 per hour on April 1, 2024.  

The federal minimum wage is adjusted annually based on the country’s annual average consumer price index (CPI) from the previous calendar year.  

Alberta 

Alberta’s minimum wage last increased on Oct. 1, 2018, to $15.00. There are no further scheduled increases for the province at this time.  

British Columbia 

British Columbia’s minimum wage will increase to $17.40, from the current rate of $16.75, on June 1, 2024.  

The province recently approved British Columbia Bill 2, which amends their Employment Standards Act so that the minimum wage rate will automatically increase annually based on the percentage change in the All-Items CPI for British Columbia.  

Manitoba 

In Manitoba, the minimum wage is currently at $15.30, which went into effect on Oct. 1, 2023.  

Manitoba’s next increase is on Oct. 1, 2024, updating the minimum wage to $15.80 per hour.  

New Brunswick 

New Brunswick’s minimum wage increased to $15.30, effective April 1, 2024.  

Moving forward, the wage rate will now be adjusted in accordance with the CPI of New Brunswick. 

Newfoundland and Labrador 

Newfoundland and Labrador also saw an April 1, 2024, increase and is now set at $15.60. 

Northwest Territories 

The minimum wage in the Northwest Territories is $16.05, which went into effect on Sept. 1, 2023 and will be adjusted annually moving forward.  

Nova Scotia 

The Nova Scotia minimum wage increased to $15.20 on April 1, 2024. It will adjust annually based on the applicable CPI plus 1% next spring.   

Nunavut Territory 

While the territory previously adjusted annually on April 1, the government announced late last year that the minimum wage would increase from $16.00 to $19.00, effective Jan. 1, 2024.  

Ontario 

Ontario’s minimum wage is $16.55, effective Oct. 1, 2023. 

In April, Ontario is expected to announce new rates that will take effect on Oct. 1 of each year.  

Prince Edward Island 

Prince Edward Island’s minimum wage was set to $15.40, effective April 1, 2024.  

The province will also increase to $16.00 on Oct. 1, 2024, based on the recommendations of the province’s Employment Standards Board. 

Quebec 

In Quebec, the minimum wage will increase from $15.25 to $15.75 on May 1, 2024.  

Saskatchewan 

Saskatchewan’s minimum wage updated to $14.00 on Oct. 1, 2023.  

It will increase again on Oct. 1, 2024 to $15.00, and then the province will return to calculating a new minimum wage each year using the regional indexing formula. 

Yukon Territory 

Yukon also updated its minimum wage for April 1, 2024. It has increased to $17.59. Its annual increase is based on the CPI for Whitehorse.  

Conclusion 

Employers with locations in Canada should review this year’s provincial and federal wage increases to identify any potential impacts to their locations. For additional information, make sure to check out GovDocs Minimum Wage Compliance Resources webpage. 

This Employment Law News blog is intended for market awareness only, it is not to be used for legal advice or counsel.