New Minimum Wage Took Effect in Four Canadian Provinces From 1st October

As of October 1, 2024, four provinces in Canada—Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Prince Edward Island—have raised their minimum wage rates. This move aims to provide better compensation for workers amid rising living costs.

Earlier this year, several other provinces also made adjustments to their minimum wage rates. For example, British Columbia increased its minimum wage on June 1, 2024, while Quebec implemented its raise on May 1, 2024. In addition, the federal minimum wage, which applies to federally regulated sectors, rose to $17.30 per hour on April 1, 2024.

Minimum wage is defined as the lowest hourly wage that an employer can legally pay an employee, regardless of the worker’s age or hours worked. Any payment below this rate is illegal in Canada. Here’s a closer look at the new wage rates in the provinces that recently increased their minimum wages.

Ontario’s New Minimum Wage: $17.20 per Hour
In Ontario, the minimum wage has increased to $17.20 per hour, a jump of $0.65 from the previous rate of $16.55. This adjustment comes just one year after a wage increase on October 1, 2023. The new rates for specific groups are as follows:

• General minimum wage: $17.20 per hour (previously $16.55)
• Students under 18 working 28 hours or less per week: $16.20 per hour (previously $15.60)
• Homeworkers: $18.90 per hour (previously $18.20)
• Hunting, fishing, and wilderness guides: $82.85 per day for less than five hours and $165.75 per day for five or more hours of work (previously $77.60 and $155.25, respectively)

Despite this increase, the Ontario Living Wage Network estimates that a living wage in many parts of Ontario is around $20 per hour, and in regions like the Greater Toronto Area, it can exceed $25 per hour. Advocates are pushing for a minimum wage of at least $20 per hour.

Manitoba’s New Minimum Wage: $15.80 per Hour
Manitoba’s minimum wage has been raised to $15.80 per hour, reflecting a $0.50 increase from the previous rate of $15.30. This change follows two previous increases in 2023, where the rate rose from $13.50 to $15.30. The adjustments in Manitoba are determined by the province’s Consumer Price Index (CPI), with another increase scheduled for October 1, 2025.

Saskatchewan’s New Minimum Wage: $15 per Hour
Saskatchewan has raised its minimum wage to $15 per hour, up from $14.00. This $1.00 increase is part of the province’s ongoing efforts to keep pace with rising living costs. The last minimum wage adjustment in Saskatchewan occurred on October 1, 2023, when it was increased from $13.00 to $14.00 per hour. This latest increase reflects Saskatchewan's commitment to fair wages for its workforce.

Prince Edward Island’s New Minimum Wage: $16 per Hour
In Prince Edward Island, the new minimum wage is now $16.00 per hour, up from $15.40. This follows an earlier increase in April 2024 when the rate rose from $15.00 to $15.40. Prince Edward Island has made consistent adjustments to its minimum wage in response to economic conditions and inflation, ensuring that workers receive fair compensation for their efforts.

Overview of Minimum Wage Rates Across Canada
The recent increases in Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Prince Edward Island highlight a significant step toward fairer wages for workers. However, there are still calls in many provinces for further wage hikes, especially in areas with high living costs like the Greater Toronto Area and Vancouver.

In Alberta, the minimum wage has not changed since 2018, prompting workers and labour groups to advocate for a much-needed increase. The ongoing discussions about minimum wage rates reflect a broader dialogue about how to ensure workers can keep up with the rising cost of living.

As workers and employers navigate these changes, staying informed about wage updates will be crucial in adapting to the evolving labour landscape in Canada.