Canada Minimum Wage by Province

Canada’s minimum wage varies by province, adjusting for local living costs and economic conditions. Rates range from $14.00 per hour in Saskatchewan to $19.00 per hour in Nunavut. Each province often has different rates for specific job categories, like students or live-in workers. Regular updates reflect economic changes, ensuring wages align with inflation and economic conditions across the country.

Oliver Mercer
By Oliver Mercer - Chief Editor 10 Min Read

Key Takeaways:

  • Canada’s minimum wage is determined by each province and territory based on local economic conditions and cost of living.
  • Minimum wage rates vary significantly, with Nunavut having the highest at $19.00 per hour from January 1, 2024.
  • Specific roles and employee categories in various regions have different minimum wage rates and exceptions to the general minimum wage.

What Is the Minimum Wage Across Canada Provinces?

Canada’s minimum wage is set at the provincial and territorial level, reflecting local cost of living and economic conditions. To help you understand the wage rates across the country, we’ve compiled detailed information about the minimum wage in every province in Canada. Here’s what you need to know:

Canada Minimum Wage by Province
Canada Minimum Wage by Province

What Is the Minimum Wage in Alberta?

In Alberta, the general minimum wage is $15.00 per hour. This rate has been effective since October 1, 2018. There are specific rates for students under 18, who receive a minimum wage of $13.00 per hour.

Certain employees like salespersons and domestic employees have separate wage structures:
– Salespersons: $598 per week
– Domestic employees: $2,848 per month

Additionally, Alberta mandates that employees must be paid at least three hours of pay at the minimum wage each time they report to work, even if they are sent home after working less than three hours, except if the employee is unavailable to work the three hours.

How Much Is the Minimum Wage in British Columbia?

As of June 1, 2024, the minimum wage in British Columbia is set at $17.40 per hour. However, there are different rates for specific roles:
– Live-in camp leaders receive $138.93 per day or part of a day worked.
– Live-in home support workers earn $129.62 per day or part of a day worked.
– Resident caretakers are compensated as follows:
– For buildings with nine to 60 residential suites: $1,041.80 per month plus $41.74 for each suite.
– For buildings with 61 or more residential suites: $3,548.63 per month.

What Are the Wage Rates in Manitoba?

Manitoba’s minimum wage stands at $15.30 per hour, effective from October 1, 2023. By October 1, 2024, this rate will rise to $15.80 per hour.

Certain groups of employees are excluded from the minimum wage requirement:
– Domestic workers who work less than 12 hours per week.
– Employees in approved provincial or federal training programs.
– Temporary election officials appointed under The Elections Act.

Does New Brunswick Have a Different Minimum Wage?

Yes, New Brunswick’s minimum wage is $15.30 per hour as of April 1, 2024. The province allows employers to schedule overtime, but employees must be compensated for all additional hours worked. Employers have to pay for the greater of:
– Three hours of pay at the minimum wage rate or
– The actual hours worked at the regular wage rate.

What’s the Minimum Wage in Newfoundland & Labrador?

In Newfoundland & Labrador, the minimum wage increased to $15.60 per hour on April 1, 2024, following Labour Standards Regulations.

What Are the Current Wage Rates in the Northwest Territories?

Since September 1, 2023, the minimum wage in Northwest Territories has been $16.05 per hour. This rate adjusts annually based on changes in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and the average hourly wage (AHW) in the region, providing a structured way to keep the wage relevant to economic conditions.

What Is the Minimum Wage in Nova Scotia?

The minimum wage in Nova Scotia is $15.20 per hour as of April 1, 2024. An independent Minimum Wage Review Committee, which includes representatives of employees and employers, conducts annual reviews to ensure the wage remains appropriate.

How High Is Nunavut’s Minimum Wage?

Nunavut has the highest minimum wage in Canada, at $19.00 per hour from January 1, 2024. This is a significant increase from the previous wage of $16.00 per hour.

What Are the Minimum Wage Rates in Ontario?

Ontario’s minimum wage is $16.55 per hour, effective from October 1, 2023. However, different categories of employees have specific wage rates:
– Students under 18, working 28 hours a week or less during school sessions, or full-time during school breaks, earn $15.60 per hour.
– Homeworkers receive $18.20 per hour.
– Hunting and fishing guides earn differently:
– $82.85 per day for less than five consecutive hours.
– $165.75 per day for five or more consecutive hours.

What Is the Minimum Wage in Prince Edward Island?

The minimum wage in Prince Edward Island is currently $15.40 per hour, increasing to $16.00 per hour on October 1, 2024.

How Does Quebec Handle Minimum Wage?

Quebec’s minimum wage is $15.75 per hour as of May 1, 2024. The province has seen a steady increase from $12.00 in 2019, indicating a strong commitment to supporting workers’ earnings.

What Are the Wage Regulations in Saskatchewan?

Saskatchewan’s minimum wage, effective October 1, 2023, stands at $14.00 per hour. Certain categories of employees are exempt from this minimum wage:
– Farm, ranch, and market garden labourers.
– Some care providers employed in private homes.
– Babysitters on temporary jobs.
– Athletes engaged in their sporting activities.
– Volunteers for non-profit organizations.
– Disabled individuals working in educational, therapeutic, or rehabilitative programs.

What Is the Minimum Wage in Yukon?

As of April 1, 2024, Yukon’s minimum wage is $17.59 per hour. According to Richard Mostyn, Yukon’s Minister of Community Services, this increase is aimed at improving affordability for Yukon’s lowest-paid workers.

Conclusion

Understanding the minimum wage rates across Canada’s provinces and territories is essential for both employees and employers. Each region sets its minimum wage based on local economic conditions and cost of living, with variations for different types of employment.

For a detailed and up-to-date overview of wage rates and other employment standards, you can refer to Canada’s Employment and Social Development Canada.

As per VisaVerge.com, staying informed about these rates helps individuals and businesses navigate employment standards efficiently, ensuring compliance and fair compensation across the country.

Learn Today:

1. Minimum Wage
The lowest amount per hour that employers are legally required to pay their employees. This rate varies by province and territory in Canada to reflect differing local economic conditions and costs of living.
2. Provincial and Territorial Jurisdiction
The authority of Canada’s regional governments to set and regulate minimum wage rates within their respective geographical areas. Each province and territory can determine wage regulations that best suit their local economies.
3. Consumer Price Index (CPI)
A measure that examines the average change over time in the prices paid by consumers for goods and services. This index is used in some regions, like Northwest Territories, to adjust minimum wage rates annually to keep up with inflation.
4. Domestic Employees
Individuals employed in a household to perform various duties such as cleaning, cooking, and caretaking. In some provinces, domestic employees have different wage structures and regulations compared to other employees.
5. Labour Standards Regulations
Laws and rules governing the minimum working conditions and employment standards, including wage rates, overtime pay, and other labor rights. These regulations ensure fair treatment and compensation for workers within a province or territory.

This Article In A Nutshell:

In Canada, each province and territory sets its minimum wage based on local economic conditions. For example, Alberta’s wage is $15.00 per hour, while Nunavut’s highest is $19.00 per hour. Understanding these rates aids fair compensation and compliance across the country. Always check local updates for current rates.
— By VisaVerge.com

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only. If you reference or use any content from this article, please attribute it to VisaVerge.com by including a link to the original source. We appreciate your adherence to our content usage policies and your commitment to giving proper credit.

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Oliver Mercer
Chief Editor
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As the Chief Editor at VisaVerge.com, Oliver Mercer is instrumental in steering the website's focus on immigration, visa, and travel news. His role encompasses curating and editing content, guiding a team of writers, and ensuring factual accuracy and relevance in every article. Under Oliver's leadership, VisaVerge.com has become a go-to source for clear, comprehensive, and up-to-date information, helping readers navigate the complexities of global immigration and travel with confidence and ease.
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