This rate applies to employees working in federally regulated workplaces (such as banks, telecom, airlines,
interprovincial transportation, and other federally regulated sectors).
If your province or territory has a higher minimum wage than the federal rate, your employer must pay the higher rate.
If your province/territory rate is lower, federally regulated workers will be paid $18.15 starting April 1.
Official federal confirmation: Government of Canada minimum wage information page.
Source (Government of Canada)
Who Gets the $18.15 Federal Rate?
The federal minimum wage applies only to workers in federally regulated industries and workplaces, including:
banking, telecommunications, broadcasting, air/rail transport, interprovincial trucking, marine shipping,
Canada Post and many federal Crown corporations.
Minimum Wage in Canada (Province/Territory) — Current Rates + 2026 Updates
Below is a province-by-province minimum wage snapshot, plus key 2026 increases where already posted.
(Compiled from Retail Council of Canada, which links out to official provincial/territorial sources.)
Source (Retail Council of Canada)
| Province / Territory | Minimum Wage (Current) | Next Announced Change | How It Compares to Federal $18.15 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alberta | $15.00 | — | Federal is higher (+$3.15) |
| British Columbia | $17.85 | Rises to $18.25 on June 1, 2026 | Federal higher on Apr 1; BC higher after Jun 1 |
| Manitoba | $16.00 | — | Federal is higher (+$2.15) |
| New Brunswick | $15.65 | Rises to $15.90 on April 1, 2026 | Federal is higher (+$2.25) |
| Newfoundland & Labrador | $16.00 | — | Federal is higher (+$2.15) |
| Northwest Territories | $16.95 | — | Federal is higher (+$1.20) |
| Nova Scotia | $16.50 | Rises to $16.75 on April 1, 2026; then $17.00 on Oct 1, 2026 | Federal is higher (+$1.65 on Apr 1) |
| Nunavut | $19.75 | — | Nunavut is higher (+$1.60) |
| Ontario | $17.60 | — | Federal is higher (+$0.55) |
| Prince Edward Island | $16.50 | Rises to $17.00 on April 1, 2026 | Federal is higher (+$1.15 on Apr 1) |
| Quebec | $16.10 | Rises to $16.60 on May 1, 2026 | Federal is higher (+$2.05) |
| Saskatchewan | $15.35 | — | Federal is higher (+$2.80) |
| Yukon | $17.94 | — | Federal is higher (+$0.21) |
What $18.15/hour Means for Your Pay
- Full-time (40 hrs/week): $726/week gross
- Monthly (approx): $3,146 gross
- Annual (52 weeks): $37,752 gross
If you are currently earning $17.75, the increase to $18.15 equals +$0.40/hour,
or about +$832/year (before taxes) for full-time workers.
Quick Checklist for Workers
- Check if your employer is federally regulated (bank, telecom, airline, rail, interprovincial trucking, etc.).
- Compare your province/territory rate to $18.15.
- Review your first pay stub after April 1 to ensure the rate updated correctly.
