EMPLOYMENT LAW NEWS
New Minimum Wage Rate Updates for Canadian Employers
Canada has several provincial wage rate updates – on top of a federal minimum wage update – this spring.
Canada Minimum Wage Rate Updates for Employers in 2026
While several U.S. jurisdictions rang in the new year with minimum wage increases, we’re hopping into spring with a new round of updates north of the border. Below is a breakdown of the current minimum wage rates in effect in Canada, including recent updates at the federal, territorial, and provincial levels.
Canada’s Federal Minimum Wage
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.
The federal minimum wage is adjusted annually based on the country’s 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.
British Columbia
British Columbia’s minimum wage increases to $18.25, from the current rate of $17.85, on June 1, 2026.
According to British Columbia’s press release, “The same increase applies to specialized minimum wages, such as the rates for resident caretakers, live-in home-support workers, live-in camp leaders and piece-rate agricultural workers. The increase also applies to the special minimum wage for app-based ride-hailing and delivery-service workers, established in September 2024.”
Manitoba
In Manitoba, the minimum wage is currently $16.00, which went into effect on Oct. 1, 2025. On April 1, Manitoba announced their annual minimum wage increase to $16.40, effective Oct. 1, 2026.
New Brunswick
New Brunswick’s minimum wage increased to $15.90, effective April 1, 2026.
The province’s minimum wage rate is adjusted in accordance with the applicable CPI.
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Newfoundland and Labrador
Newfoundland and Labrador also saw an April 1, 2026, increase and now has a minimum wage of $16.35.
Northwest Territories
The minimum wage in the Northwest Territories is $16.95, which went into effect on Sept. 1, 2025, and will be adjusted annually moving forward.
Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia’s minimum wage increased to $16.75 on April 1, 2025.
Nova Scotia will increase its minimum wage again on Oct. 1, 2026, to $17.00. Annually thereafter, the province will adjust its minimum wage based on the applicable CPI plus 1%.
Nunavut Territory
The minimum wage rate in the territory is $19.75 per hour as of Sept. 1, 2025, with no future increases announced at this time.
Ontario
Ontario’s minimum wage is $17.60, effective on Oct. 1, 2025.
In April, Ontario is expected to announce new rates that take effect on Oct. 1 of each year.
Prince Edward Island
Prince Edward Island’s minimum wage is $17.00, effective April 1, 2026, based on the recommendations of the province’s Employment Standards Board.
Quebec
In Quebec, the minimum wage will increase from $16.10 to $16.60 on May 1, 2026.
Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan’s minimum wage was updated to $15.35 on Oct. 1, 2025.
The province calculates a new minimum wage each year using the regional CPI indexing formula.
Yukon Territory
Yukon also updated its minimum wage for April 1, 2026. The territory increased its rate to $18.51. Its annual increase is based on the CPI for Whitehorse.
Conclusion
Employers with locations in Canada should review this year’s federal, territory, and provincial minimum wage increases to identify any potential impacts to their locations. For additional information, visit the 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.
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