New minimum wages start October 1 in 4 Canadian provinces

On October 1, 2024, four Canadian provinces, including Ontario, will implement new minimum wage rates. This change aims to ensure fair wages for all workers, regardless of age or the number of hours they work. Some provinces have specific rules for students under 18 or other special cases.

Here's a detailed look at the upcoming changes:

Ontario 

Starting October 1, 2024, Ontario's minimum wage will increase from $16.55 to $17.20 per hour. This adjustment follows the province’s announcement on March 27. Additionally, students under 18 who work 28 hours a week or less during the school year, breaks, or summer vacations will see their minimum wage rise from $15.60 to $16.20 per hour. For those working from home, the rate will go from $18.20 to $18.90 per hour.

Manitoba

Manitoba will also see a wage hike on October 1, 2024. The current minimum wage of $15.30 per hour will rise to $15.80 per hour. The government makes annual adjustments to the minimum wage based on the provincial Consumer Price Index (CPI), ensuring wages keep pace with the cost of living.

Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan’s minimum wage will increase from $14.00 to $15.00 per hour starting October 1, 2024. This represents a significant boost for workers in the province, reflecting ongoing efforts to improve wage standards.

Prince Edward Island

In Prince Edward Island, the minimum wage will rise from $15.40 to $16.00 per hour on October 1, 2024. The province had already increased the wage to $15.40 on April 1, 2024, and this additional hike aims to further support workers in maintaining a decent standard of living.

Overview of Minimum Wages Across Canada

Here's a summary of the current and upcoming minimum wages across Canadian provinces and territories:

Ontario: $16.55 (to be $17.20 on October 1, 2024)

Manitoba: $15.30 (to be $15.80 on October 1, 2024)

Saskatchewan: $14.00 (to be $15.00 on October 1, 2024)

Prince Edward Island: $15.40 (to be $16.00 on October 1, 2024)

Canada (federally regulated private sectors): $17.30 (April 1, 2025)

Yukon: $17.59 (April 1, 2025)

Newfoundland and Labrador: $15.60 (April 1, 2025)

Nova Scotia: $15.20 (April 1, 2025)

New Brunswick: $15.30 (April 1, 2025)

Nunavut: $19.00 (next raise yet to be decided)

British Columbia: $17.40 (June 1, 2025)

Northwest Territories: $16.05 (next raise yet to be decided)

Quebec: $15.75 (May 1, 2025)

Alberta: $15.00 (next raise yet to be decided)