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Minimum Wage in Canada: How It Affects You and the Economy
Canada’s minimum wage laws aim to provide a wage floor that supports lower-income workers. However, minimum wage in Canada vary significantly across the country’s provinces and territories.
This article will explore the history of minimum wage in Canada, current rates, and debates around its role in reducing poverty and supporting vulnerable groups.
Overview of Minimum Wage in Canada
Each province and territory in Canada sets its minimum wage rate, the lowest hourly amount employers can pay employees. A federal minimum wage applies to workers in federally regulated industries such as banking, transportation, and telecommunications.
Minimum wages across the provinces/territories currently range from $14.00 to $19.00 per hour. Most jurisdictions adjust their minimum wages annually based on changes to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) or other economic indicators. Some also have scheduled multi-year increases.
The table below shows the range of general adult minimum wages across Canada as of 2024:
| Lowest Provincial Rate | Highest Provincial Rate | Federal Minimum Wage |
| $14.00 per hour (Saskatchewan) | $19.00 per hour (Nunavut) | $17.30 per hour |
Most jurisdictions adjust their minimum wage annually based on changes to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) or other economic indicators.
A Brief History of Minimum Wage Laws in Canada
Canada’s earliest minimum wage policies were established to protect women and children from workplace exploitation. British Columbia and Manitoba introduced the first minimum wage laws in 1918.
Over the next few decades, additional provinces enacted minimum wage legislation, initially focused on protecting female employees. By the 1960s, most provinces had minimum wage rates for both men and women.
In 1996, the federal government set a national minimum wage rate for workers under federal jurisdiction. This federal minimum wage was adjusted annually based on the average provincial minimum wage.
As of 2021, the federal government established a fixed federal minimum wage rate, beginning at $15 per hour and now $17.30 as of April 2024. This federal rate is a wage floor for federally regulated workers, even in provinces with a lower minimum.
Minimum Wage in Canada Across Provinces and Territories
Each province and territory in Canada sets its minimum wage rate for most employees, except those working for federally regulated businesses. Here are the current general adult minimum wage in Canada across the country as of 2024:
Alberta
The general minimum wage in Alberta is currently $15.00 per hour. It was last increased on October 1, 2018, and no further increases are scheduled at this time.
Alberta does have a special minimum wage rate of $13.00 per hour for students under 18 working 28 hours per week or less when school is in session. This lower student rate only applies to the first 28 hours worked weekly.
British Columbia
British Columbia’s current general minimum wage is $16.75 per hour. It will increase to $17.40 on June 1, 2024.
B.C. has the following schedule of upcoming minimum wage increases:
- June 1, 2023 – $16.75
- June 1, 2024 – $17.40
The province reviews the minimum wage each year and announces any increases in April to take effect on June 1.
Manitoba
The general minimum wage in Manitoba is $15.30 per hour as of October 1, 2023.
The minimum wage rate is indexed annually each October 1 based on the Manitoba Consumer Price Index.
The following minimum wage increase will be to $15.80 on October 1, 2024.
New Brunswick
New Brunswick’s minimum wage is currently set at $15.30 per hour as of April 1, 2024.
The minimum wage rate is reviewed annually on April 1 and increased annually by the inflation rate as measured by the Consumer Price Index for New Brunswick.
Newfoundland and Labrador
The general minimum wage in Newfoundland and Labrador is currently $15.60 per hour as of April 1, 2024.
The minimum wage is reviewed and adjusted annually on April 1 relative to Newfoundland and Labrador Consumer Price Index changes.
Northwest Territories
The Northwest Territories currently has a minimum wage of $16.05 per hour, effective as of September 1, 2023.
Starting September 1, 2023, the minimum wage rate in the Northwest Territories will be adjusted annually based on the Consumer Price Index for Yellowknife and changes in the NWT average hourly wage.
Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia’s current minimum wage is $15.20 per hour as of April 1, 2024.
The minimum wage is reviewed each year on April 1 and increased annually by the provincial Consumer Price Index plus an additional 1%.
Nunavut
Nunavut has the highest general minimum wage in Canada at $19.00 per hour as of January 1, 2024.
Previously, the rate was $16.00 per hour before increasing to the current $19.00. The minimum wage is reviewed and adjusted annually each April 1.
Ontario
Ontario’s current general minimum wage is $16.55 per hour as of October 1, 2023.
The minimum wage in Ontario is adjusted annually on October 1 based on changes to the Consumer Price Index.
Ontario also has a lower student minimum wage rate of $15.60 per hour for students under 18.
Prince Edward Island
The minimum wage in Prince Edward Island is $15.40 per hour, effective April 1, 2024.
The minimum wage is reviewed annually and will increase to $16.00 per hour on October 1, 2024.
Quebec
Quebec’s general minimum wage is $15.75 per hour as of April 1, 2024.
The province also has a lower minimum wage of $12.60 per hour for employees who make tips in the restaurant and hotel industry.
Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan currently has a minimum wage of $14.00 per hour as of October 1, 2023.
It is set to increase to $15.00 per hour on October 1, 2024.
The minimum wage rate is reviewed annually and increased based on changes to the Saskatchewan Consumer Price Index and other indicators.
Yukon
The Yukon has the highest minimum wage in Canada at $17.59 per hour as of April 1, 2024.
The territory reviews and adjusts the minimum wage annually each April 1 relative to the Whitehorse Consumer Price Index.
Categories of Minimum Wage Workers
While most workers are subject to the general minimum wage, some provinces have special sub-minimum rates for certain groups of employees as of October 1, 2023. These include:
- Students – Many provinces allow students under 18 to be paid less. For example, Ontario’s student minimum wage is currently $15.60 per hour.
- Liquor servers – Workers who serve liquor in establishments like bars can make a lower minimum in some provinces. Quebec’s rate for this group is $12.60 per hour.
- Homeworkers – Those who do paid work out of their own homes might have a separate rate. Ontario’s minimum wage for homeworkers is $18.20 per hour.
- Farm workers – In some provinces, agricultural employees are subject to lower minimum wage rates than the general population.
Source: https://www.nerdwallet.com/ca/personal-finance/canada-minmimum-wage-explained
Perspectives on the Minimum Wage Debate in Canada
There are divergent schools of thought among labour economists and policymakers regarding the benefits and drawbacks of minimum wage laws. Here are some key perspectives:
Support for Minimum Wage Increases
Proponents argue that boosting minimum wages:
- Reduces poverty and income inequality, especially for marginalized groups
- Raises incomes for vulnerable, low-wage earners and improves their standard of living
- Boosts consumer spending power and economic activity as workers have more disposable income
- Has limited adverse effects on employment, according to some studies
Opposition to Minimum Wage Increases
Critics counter that raising minimum wages:
- Reduces employment opportunities, especially for youth and low-skilled workers
- Leads businesses to cut jobs, hours, and benefits to offset higher labour costs
- Negatively impacts small businesses with lower profit margins
- Results in inflation that can offset real wage gains for minimum wage earners
This academic debate continues as provinces and territories adjust their minimum wage policies.
Supplementing Minimum Wage Income in Canada
Due to Canada’s high cost of living, especially in cities like Toronto and Vancouver, it can be challenging for minimum-wage workers to make ends meet. Some possible ways to supplement this income include:
- Ridesharing – Driving for a service like Uber or Lyft
- Online freelance work – tutoring, web design, data entry, etc.
- Participating in the sharing economy via platforms like Airbnb, Turo, TaskRabbit
- Mystery shopping, product testing, and surveys
- Working tipped jobs in the restaurant and hospitality industry
- Taking on seasonal and temporary work – retail, festivals, sports events, etc.
Finding creative ways to supplement wages through side jobs or the gig economy can provide much-needed additional income for minimum wage earners trying to afford basic expenses.
Conclusion
While the impacts of minimum wage laws continue to be debated, minimum wages fundamentally aim to provide a livable income floor for Canadian workers. Most provinces have gradually raised wage floors in recognition of rising living costs.
Employees should ensure they are receiving the proper legal minimum wage for their jurisdiction. Supplementing income through side jobs also empowers minimum wage earners to make ends meet in Canada’s costly urban areas.
FAQs on minimum wage in Canada
What is the minimum wage in Canada?
The minimum wage varies by province and territory in Canada. Currently, it ranges from $14.00 to $19.00 per hour across the different jurisdictions. There is also a federal minimum wage of $17.30 per hour that applies to federally regulated industries.
How is the minimum wage determined in Canada?
Each province and territory sets its own minimum wage rate. Most jurisdictions adjust their minimum wage annually based on changes to the Consumer Price Index or other economic indicators to account for inflation and cost of living increases.
When do minimum wage increases happen in Canada?
Minimum wage increases typically happen once or twice a year, often on April 1st or October 1st in many provinces. The timing of minimum wage changes can vary by jurisdiction.
Who sets the minimum wage in Canada?
Minimum wage is set by the provincial/territorial governments in each jurisdiction. The federal government also sets a national minimum wage that applies to federally regulated industries.
Why are some minimum wages higher than others in Canada?
There is variance in minimum wages across Canada because provinces and territories each set their own rates. Higher minimum wages tend to be in areas with higher costs of living, like Nunavut and Yukon. Some provinces have also prioritized more aggressive minimum wage increases.
Do all workers get the minimum wage in Canada?
Most do, but some provinces allow lower minimum wages for certain groups like students, liquor servers, homeworkers, and farmworkers. Employees should check if they fall under a special minimum wage category.
What are the arguments for and against raising the minimum wage in Canada?
Supporters argue it reduces poverty and inequality. Critics argue it could lead to job losses and higher unemployment if increased too quickly. The impacts are still debated by economists.
Is the minimum wage a living wage in Canada?
The minimum wage is not always considered a living wage, especially in high cost-of-living cities like Toronto and Vancouver. Living wage calculations factor in real housing and living costs.
How often is the minimum wage increased in Canada?
Most provinces and territories increase their minimum wage annually on a fixed date. Some jurisdictions only review minimum wage periodically, such as every few years. Frequency of increases varies.
Which province has the highest minimum wage in Canada?
As of 2024, Nunavut currently has the highest minimum wage at $19.00 per hour. Yukon has the second highest at $17.59 per hour. Saskatchewan has the lowest at $14.00 per hour.
Article Sources
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Minimum Wage in Canada: How It Affects You and the Economy
Ben Nguyen