New Minimum Wage Rate Updates for Canadian Employers

What are the Canada Minimum Wage Rate Updates for Employers in 2025?

While there have been several minimum wage increases in the United States 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 $17.75 per hour on April 1, 2025.

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 currently.

British Columbia

British Columbia’s minimum wage will increase to $17.85, from the current rate of $17.40, on June 1, 2025.

According to British Columbia’s press release, “Minimum wage rates for residential caretakers, live-in home-support workers, camp leaders and app-based ride-hailing and delivery services workers will receive the same 2.6% increase on June 1.”

Manitoba

In Manitoba, the minimum wage is currently at $15.80, which went into effect on Oct. 1, 2024.  No additional updates have been announced at this time.

New Brunswick

New Brunswick’s minimum wage increased to $15.65, effective April 1, 2025.

The province’s minimum wage rate is adjusted in accordance with the applicable CPI.

Newfoundland and Labrador

Newfoundland and Labrador also saw an April 1, 2025, increase and is now set at $16.00.

Northwest Territories

The minimum wage in the Northwest Territories is $16.70, which went into effect on Sept. 1, 2024, and will be adjusted annually moving forward.

Nova Scotia

The Nova Scotia minimum wage increased to $15.70 on April 1, 2025.

Nova Scotia will increase its minimum wage again on Oct. 1, 2025, to $16.50. 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 $19.00 per hour as of Jan. 1, 2024, after a $3 increase last year.

Ontario

Ontario’s minimum wage is $17.20, effective back on Oct. 1, 2024.

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 was set to $16.00, effective Oct. 1, 2024, which was based on the recommendations of the province’s Employment Standards Board.

Quebec

In Quebec, the minimum wage will increase from $15.75 to $16.10 on May 1, 2025.

Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan’s minimum wage updated to $15.00 on Oct. 1, 2024.

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, 2025. It has increased its wage rate to $17.94. 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.