Money and workTracker
Minimum Wage by Province in Canada (October 2026)
Canada has no single minimum wage: each province and territory sets its own, and the federal rate covers federally regulated workplaces. Here is every current rate and each announced increase.
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- Data as of October 1, 2026
Minimum Wage by Province and Territory (as of October 1, 2026)
| Jurisdiction | General minimum wage | In effect since | Usual adjustment date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nunavut | $20.17 | September 1, 2026 | September 1 |
| Yukon | $18.51 | April 1, 2026 | April 1 |
| British Columbia | $18.25 | June 1, 2026 | June 1 |
| Federal (federally regulated sectors) | $18.15 | April 1, 2026 | April 1 |
| Ontario | $17.95 | October 1, 2026 | October 1 |
| Prince Edward Island | $17.30 | October 1, 2026 | varies (next: April 1, 2027) |
| Northwest Territories | $17.20 | September 1, 2026 | September 1 |
| Nova Scotia | $17.00 | October 1, 2026 | varies |
| Quebec | $16.60 | May 1, 2026 | May 1 |
| Manitoba | $16.40 | October 1, 2026 | October 1 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $16.35 | April 1, 2026 | April 1 |
| New Brunswick | $15.90 | April 1, 2026 | April 1 |
| Saskatchewan | $15.70 | October 1, 2026 | October 1 |
| Alberta | $15.00 | October 1, 2018 | no annual adjustment |
Key facts
- Highest general minimum wage: Nunavut, $20.17. Lowest: Alberta, $15.00.
- Ontario is $17.95 from October 1, 2026; British Columbia is $18.25.
- The federal minimum wage for federally regulated employers is $18.15.
- Minimum wage applies to work permit holders and students exactly as it does to citizens.
Which minimum wage increases are already announced?
Prince Edward Island rises from $17.30 to $17.60 on April 1, 2027. Most other jurisdictions index their rate to inflation and announce it one to six months before it takes effect.
Ontario, for example, must publish its October rate by April 1. We add each new rate as soon as it is announced.
Are there special minimum wage rates?
Yes. In Ontario, students under 18 working 28 hours a week or less during the school year earn at least $16.90, and homeworkers at least $19.70, from October 1, 2026.
If you work for a federally regulated employer and your province’s rate is higher, you get the higher rate.
What does a minimum wage raise mean for take-home pay?
At 40 hours a week for 52 weeks, a $0.35 raise adds about $728 a year before tax.
To see what a minimum wage job leaves after tax, CPP and EI in your province, use the salary calculator. To budget against rent and groceries, use the cost of living calculator.
What can I do if I am paid less than the minimum wage?
Minimum wage applies automatically. Raise it with your employer in writing, then contact your province’s employment standards office.
Unpaid trial shifts and “training” hours are a common way the minimum is avoided. Check your rights on holiday pay and overtime too.
Sources
Rates come from provincial and federal government announcements. This page is general information; check your province’s employment standards office for your situation.
Questions
Minimum wage FAQ
What is the highest minimum wage in Canada?
Nunavut has the highest general minimum wage at $20.17 an hour, from September 1, 2026.
What is the minimum wage in Ontario?
$17.95 an hour from October 1, 2026.
Does minimum wage apply to work permit holders and students?
Yes. Minimum wage applies to every employee covered by provincial or federal employment standards, regardless of immigration status.
