Canada Employee Benefits News and Trends - ebs
Minimum Wage in Quebec: 2024 Updates
Minimum wage laws ensure fair pay and decent living standards for low-income workers across Quebec. With the minimum wage set to increase to $15.75 per hour on May 1, 2024, it is essential for both employers and employees to understand the impact of this change.
This in-depth guide will examine Quebec’s new 2024 minimum wage rate, how it has progressed over time, who it applies to, income and cost of living challenges, allowable pay deductions, and differences between Quebec’s provincial and federal minimum wage rates.
Additional details on overtime requirements, the unique system for tipped employees, and the purposes of minimum wage standards are also provided.
Minimum Wage in Quebec 2024
On May 1, 2024, Quebec’s general minimum wage will increase to $15.75 per hour, up 50 cents from the previous 2023 rate of $15.25 per hour. The wage increase will benefit approximately 200,700 employees, including around 111,200 women.
The alternative minimum wage rate for tipped employees in Quebec will also rise on May 1, 2024, to $12.60 per hour, up 40 cents from $12.20 per hour. This alternative rate applies to workers who typically earn tips and gratuities as part of their total compensation, such as food servers, hotel staff, hairstylists, taxi drivers and more.
Source: https://montreal.citynews.ca/2024/05/01/minimum-wage-quebec-15-75-per-hour/
Historical Changes to Quebec’s Minimum Wage Rates
Quebec’s minimum wage rate has steadily risen over the past decade. The following table outlines how both the general and alternative tipped minimum wage rates in Quebec have progressed from 2016 to the newly announced 2024 rate:
| Date | General Minimum Wage | Alternative Tipped Minimum |
| May 21, 2016 | $10.75 | $9.20 |
| May 21, 2017 | $11.25 | $9.45 |
| May 21, 2018 | $12.00 | $9.80 |
| May 21, 2019 | $12.50 | $10.05 |
| May 21, 2020 | $13.10 | $10.45 |
| May 21, 2021 | $13.50 | $10.80 |
| May 1, 2022 | $14.25 | $11.40 |
| May 21, 2023 | $15.25 | $12.20 |
| May 1, 2024 | $15.75 | $12.60 |
Source: https://loanscanada.ca/minimum-wage/quebec/
The table shows that Quebec’s general minimum wage rate has risen to $5.00 per hour since 2016. The alternative minimum rate for tipped employees has also increased steadily over this period.
Impact of Minimum Wage in Quebec on Full-Time Income and Cost of Living
With the 2024 minimum wage set at $15.75 per hour in Quebec, a full-time employee working 40 hours per week, 52 weeks per year, can expect to earn a gross salary of approximately $32,760 annually. After-tax and other payroll deductions work out to a take-home annual income of around $24,451, or $2,037 per month.
Unfortunately, this salary poses challenges in covering the cost of living in many parts of Quebec, significantly larger cities. Some average estimated monthly costs of living for singles and families include:
- Single person in Quebec City: $2,820 (with 1 bedroom apartment)
- Family of 4 in Quebec City: $7,546 (with 3 bedroom apartment)
- Single person in Montreal: $3,022 (with 1 bedroom apartment)
- Family of 4 in Montreal: $7,454 (with 3 bedroom apartment)
Source: https://loanscanada.ca/minimum-wage/quebec/
As the data shows, it can be very difficult for minimum wage earners to afford rent, food, transportation, and other expenses in Quebec, even in a single-income household.
Minimum Wage Rules and Regulations
In addition to knowing the bare minimum wage rate in Quebec, employees should be informed about crucial labour regulations and standards, including:
- Overtime – 1.5x regular rate generally required after 40 hours/week. Employees can refuse overtime after 4 extra hours or 50 hours/week.
- Deductions – Written employee consent is required. Permitted for taxes, pensions, court orders, etc.
- Meals & Lodging – Deductions allowed, in some cases, up to $33.01 per week for meals. Lodging deductions are also specified.
- Uniforms – Cannot deduct below minimum wage. The employer must provide unique clothing.
Allowable Deductions from Minimum Wage in Quebec
While employees in Quebec are entitled to the provincial minimum wage, there are certain permissible deductions employers can make in specific circumstances:
Regular Payroll Deductions
Employers may deduct minimum wage earnings for:
- Government remittances like income tax, EI and QPP
- Court-ordered garnishments like child support.
- Mandatory pension plans
However, written employee consent is still required for these regular payroll deductions.
Deductions for Meals and Lodging
If meals or lodging are provided due to the nature of the work, employers can deduct a maximum of $33.01 per week for meals and specified lodging rates.
Deductions for Uniforms and Equipment
If an employee makes more than minimum wage, uniform expenses can be deducted. However, these deductions cannot reduce pay below the $15.75 per hour minimum.
Other Deductions
Any other deductions from a minimum wage employee’s pay would likely be prohibited or require demonstrated employee consent per Quebec’s labour standards.
I can incorporate this section into the article to provide more detail on allowable paycheck deductions related to Quebec’s minimum wage requirements. Let me know if you want me to add this to the full article draft.
Comparing Quebec’s 2024 Minimum Wage Increase to Inflation
Quebec’s April 2022 inflation rate was approximately 3.4%. The upcoming minimum wage increase to $15.75 is a 3.2% raise (Source). On the surface, this suggests the new 2024 minimum wage rate lags slightly behind inflation.
However, Quebec government officials project inflation will decrease to 2.3% by the end of 2024. Based on this, they claim the 3.2% minimum wage increase should surpass inflation later in the year as price growth stabilizes.
Whether or not the new minimum wage will adequately keep pace with Quebec’s cost of living remains to be seen and is a subject of continued debate.
Difference Between Quebec Provincial & Federal Minimum Wages
While Quebec’s general minimum wage will be $15.75 per hour in 2024, the federal minimum wage is set higher at $17.30 per hour as of April 1, 2024. This federal minimum rate applies only to employees working in federally regulated industries such as banking, air transport, broadcasting, and telecommunications.
All other workers are covered by their respective provincial minimum wage rates. As of May 2024, the $15.75 per hour provincial minimum wage will apply to non-federally regulated employees in Quebec.
Provincial and territorial governments in Canada can also set rates that apply to provincially regulated industries and businesses. Provinces and territories take into account local economic conditions, average wages, and the cost of living when setting rates. Currently, minimum wage in Canada vary across the different provinces and territories.
- Minimum Wage in Newfoundland and Labrador
- Minimum Wage in Manitoba
- Minimum Wage in British Columbia
- Minimum Wage in Northwest Territories 2024
- Minimum Wage in Nova Scotia
- Minimum Wage in Ontario
- Minimum Wage in Prince Edward Island
Quebec’s Unique System of Alternative Minimum Wage Rates
Unlike most provinces, Quebec has an alternative minimum wage system that allows certain employees expected to earn tips or commissions to be paid below the general minimum wage rate.
As of May 2024, Quebec’s alternative minimum wage rate for tipped employees will increase to $12.60 per hour. This lower rate applies to occupations where tips and gratuities supplement employee income, such as food and beverage servers, hotel staff, hairstylists, taxi drivers, and rideshare operators.
Importantly, employers must still top up these employees’ pay to the general $15.75 per hour minimum wage if their tips do not cover the gap.
Purposes and Importance of Minimum Wage Laws
At their core, minimum wage laws aim to ensure a fair basic standard of living for low-skilled and vulnerable segments of the workforce. They also give low-income earners increased consumer spending power, which can support the broader economy.
Specific purposes served by minimum wage legislation include:
- Providing reasonable compensation for essential work
- Reducing poverty and income inequality
- Increasing the standard of living for low-wage earners
- Boosting consumer spending power for essential goods and services
- Protecting groups vulnerable to exploitation, such as youth, women and minorities
Despite these aims, minimum wage rates remain contentious, with debates around potential impacts on unemployment and business operating costs. However, many experts argue appropriate minimum wages can improve living standards with minimal adverse consequences.
Key Takeaways on Quebec’s 2024 Minimum Wage
Some key points to remember about Quebec’s minimum wage changes coming into effect on May 1, 2024:
- The general minimum wage will increase by 50 cents to $15.75 per hour
- Around 200,700 workers will benefit from the rise in minimum wage
- The particular tipped minimum wage will also increase to $12.60 per hour
- Full-time earnings still challenging to afford the cost of living in cities
- Key regulations cover overtime, deductions, uniforms and more
- The federal minimum wage remains higher at $17.30 per hour
- Quebec has a unique alternative minimum wage system for tipped occupations
Both employers and employees have a vested interest in thoroughly understanding updated minimum wage laws. An informed perspective can help ensure fair pay and compliance with Quebec’s labour regulations.
FAQs related to minimum wage in Quebec, Canada
What is the minimum wage in Quebec in 2024?
The general minimum wage in Quebec is $15.75 per hour effective May 1, 2024.
How much do tipped workers make in Quebec?
The alternative minimum wage for tipped employees in Quebec in 2024 is $12.60 per hour.
When did Quebec increase minimum wage?
Quebec increased the general minimum wage to $15.75/hour on May 1, 2024, up from $15.25/hour. The tipped minimum also increased to $12.60/hour.
Is minimum wage going up in Quebec in 2024?
Yes, as of May 1, 2024, Quebec's general minimum wage increased to $15.75/hour and the tipped minimum rose to $12.60/hour.
Who sets the minimum wage in Quebec?
The minimum wage in Quebec is set by the provincial government and the Quebec Labour Standards Commission.
How often does Quebec increase minimum wage?
Quebec has typically increased the minimum wage on an annual basis, usually on May 1st of each year. Recent increases have ranged from $0.40-$0.75 per hour.
What jobs pay minimum wage in Quebec?
Jobs that commonly pay minimum wage in Quebec include retail, food service, child care, agriculture, tourism, and some healthcare roles.
Does Quebec have the highest minimum wage in Canada?
No, as of 2024 the highest minimum wage in Canada is in Nunavut at $19.00 per hour. Quebec has the 5th highest at $15.75/hour.
Can you live on minimum wage in Quebec?
It is very difficult to cover basic living expenses like rent, food and transportation in Quebec cities on a single minimum wage income.
Do all employees in Quebec get minimum wage?
Nearly all employees are entitled to at least the general minimum wage, with exceptions for some student learners ages 16-17.
Article Sources
At Ebsource, our team takes great care to uphold standards of transparency by referencing reputable sources in all our reporting. This enables us to deliver unbiased insights you can trust. View the links below to validate the facts in this article.