Here's where minimum wage is increasing in Canada on Thursday
The minimum wage is increasing in parts of Canada, and some workers can expect to see a bump in their paycheques on Thursday.
In Canada, minimum wage varies across provinces and territories, as does the schedule for when those rates increase. On April 1, the federal minimum wage increased by 40 cents, from $17.75 to $18.15 per hour, for workers in federally regulated industries.
However, that rate doesn’t apply to everyone.
For the majority of workers outside federally regulated industries, minimum wage increases happen at different times and at varying rates depending on where they live. For example, in B.C., the general minimum wage went up from $17.85 to $18.25 per hour on June 1, and in the Northwest Territories, the hourly rate increased from $16.95 per hour to $17.20 per hour on Sept. 1.
But in other parts of Canada, the minimum hourly pay increases on Oct. 1. And with the cost of living still putting pressure on Canadians’ budgets, even a small bump can make a difference. Here’s where the minimum wage is increasing on Thursday.
Ontario
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The Ontario government announced that it’s increasing minimum wage from $17.60 to $17.95 per hour. The increase will benefit 700,000 workers across the province.
Prince Edward Island
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Workers in PEI will see the minimum wage go up from $17 per hour to $17.30. The next hourly increase is set for April 1, 2027, when the rate is expected to increase to $17.60.
Nova Scotia
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On April 1, employers were required to pay their workers at least $16.75 per hour, but as of Oct. 1, that rate is going up to $17 per hour.
Manitoba
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In Manitoba, minimum wage rates are updated annually. On Thursday, the hourly pay is going up by 40 cents, from $16 to $16.40.
Saskatchewan
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Similar to Manitoba, minimum wage in Saskatchewan is updated each year. Last year, the minimum wage was set at $15.35 per hour. This year, hourly rates are set to go up to $15.70.