EMPLOYMENT LAW NEWS
New Minimum Wage Rate Updates for Canadian Employers
Several Canadian provinces and territories, including Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Saskatchewan, Nunavut, Northwest Territories, and Prince Edward Island, are raising minimum wage rates this fall (September and October 2026), with rates ranging from $15.70 to $20.17 per hour.
Canada Minimum Wage Rate Updates for Employers for Fall 2026
While employers turn their attention to minimum wage increases set to ring in the new year in the United States, they should not overlook several Canadian jurisdictions that have minimum wage updates taking effect this fall. Below is a breakdown of the fall minimum wage rates in effect in Canada, including recent updates at the provincial and territorial levels.
As a reminder, though not a fall update, the minimum wage for federally regulated industries and workplaces in Canada, including those in air transportation, banks, port services, broadcasting, postal services, etc., increased to $18.15 per hour on April 1, 2026.
Manitoba
Starting on Oct. 1, 2026, Manitoba will increase its minimum wage to $16.40 an hour. This rate was announced back in April of this year.
Northwest Territories
The Northwest Territories announced its minimum wage in early August, and it took effect on Sept. 1, 2026. The minimum wage increased from $16.95 to $17.20 an hour.
Nova Scotia
Beginning on Oct. 1, 2026, the minimum wage in Nova Scotia will increase from $16.75 to $17.00 an hour. This is the last increase by a fixed amount in the province. Moving forward, the province will adjust its minimum wage annually based on the applicable CPI plus 1%.
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Nunavut Territory
Nunavut increased its minimum wage rate on Sept. 1, 2026. Employers are now required to pay employees $20.17 an hour with no age restrictions. As of 2025, Nunavut is adjusting its minimum wage annually using a formula to match the rising cost of living in the territory.
Ontario
Ontario’s minimum wage will be $17.95 per hour, effective Oct. 1, 2026. Each April, Ontario is expected to announce new rates that take effect on Oct. 1 of that year.
Prince Edward Island
Based on recommendations of the province’s Employment Standards Board, Prince Edward Island’s minimum wage increases to $17.30, effective Oct. 1, 2026. Additionally, the minimum wage will increase again on April 1, 2027, rising to $17.60 an hour.
Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan’s minimum wage updates to $15.70 on Oct. 1, 2026. The province calculates a new minimum wage each year using the regional CPI indexing formula.
Need help keeping track of minimum wage by province or territory?
Employers with locations in Canada should review this year’s federal, provincial, and territory minimum wage increases to identify any potential impacts to their locations. If you are looking for an automated and accurate view of wage requirements, GovDocs Canada Minimum Wage Solution assigns the right jurisdiction, tracks the rate, and notifies you before it changes.
This Employment Law News blog is intended for market awareness only, it is not to be used for legal advice or counsel.
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