Minimum Wage in Canada by Province
Quick answer: The highest general minimum wage among Canada's provinces and territories is $20.17 in Nunavut and the lowest is $15.00 in Alberta; the federal rate is $18.15 (since April 1, 2026). Ontario is $17.95 since October 1, 2026. Each row links to the government page that confirms the rate and was cross-checked against the federal Minimum Wage Database.
Last updated: · Source checked:
| Jurisdiction | Current rate (per hour) | In effect since | Next increase | Indexation rule (official wording) | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Federal (federally regulated employers) | $18.15 | April 1, 2026 | Not yet announced | Increases to the federal minimum wage are based on Canada's Consumer Price Index for the previous calendar year, as published by Statistics Canada. | Official page |
| Alberta | $15.00 | June 26, 2019 | Not yet announced | – | Official page |
| British Columbia | $18.25 | June 1, 2026 | Not yet announced | Every year since June 1, 2024, each minimum wage goes up by the same percentage as the BC All-Items Consumer Price Index (CPI), rounded to the nearest 5 cents for the general minimum wage and the nearest cent for all other minimum wages. | Official page |
| Manitoba | $16.40 | October 1, 2026 | Not yet announced | – | Official page |
| New Brunswick | $15.90 | April 1, 2026 | Not yet announced | Note that the rate will be adjusted in accordance with the Consumer Price Index of New Brunswick. | Official page |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $16.35 | April 1, 2026 | Not yet announced | – | Official page |
| Northwest Territories | $17.20 | September 1, 2026 | Not yet announced | The minimum wage is adjusted annually on September 1 using a formula based on the percentage change in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for Yellowknife and the percentage change in the average hourly wage (AHW) in the NWT for the preceding calendar year. | Official page |
| Nova Scotia | $17.00 | October 1, 2026 | Not yet announced | – | Official page |
| Nunavut | $20.17 | September 1, 2026 | Not yet announced | The adjusted minimum wage rate will be announced publicly by July 31 each year and published in the Nunavut Gazette | Official page |
| Ontario | $17.95 | October 1, 2026 | Not yet announced | If that rate is changed, the new rate will be published on or before April 1 and will come into effect on October 1. | Official page |
| Prince Edward Island | $17.30 | October 1, 2026 | $17.60 on April 1, 2027 | The annual review will consider future minimum wage rates beyond the increases already announced. | Official page |
| Quebec | $16.60 | May 1, 2026 | Not yet announced | – | Official page |
| Saskatchewan | $15.70 | October 1, 2026 | Not yet announced | Changes are generally announced on or before June 30 of each year and take effect on October 1 of the same year. | Official page |
| Yukon | $18.51 | April 1, 2026 | Not yet announced | The minimum wage increases every year on April 1. | Official page |
Federal rate applies to federally regulated private sectors; if the P/T rate is higher, the higher rate applies (canada.ca pay-deductions page). Cross-check: federal Minimum Wage Database.
How to use this tracker and what changes next
- Find your province or territory in the table and check the "In effect since" date. If you work for a federally regulated employer, the federal row also applies; if the provincial or territorial rate is higher, the higher rate must be paid.
- This table shows the general adult rate. Some jurisdictions have other rates (for example for students or specific jobs); check the linked government page.
- What changes next: governments announce increases ahead of their effective dates. This page is updated when an official source changes.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum wage in Ontario?
$17.95 per hour, in effect since October 1, 2026, according to Ontario's official guide to the Employment Standards Act.
Which province or territory has the highest minimum wage?
Nunavut at $20.17 per hour (since September 1, 2026). The lowest is Alberta at $15.00.
What is the federal minimum wage?
$18.15 per hour since April 1, 2026. Canada.ca says: "An employee should be paid at least the federal minimum wage. If the minimum wage of the province or territory where the employee usually works is higher than the federal minimum wage, the employer is to pay the higher minimum wage."
Has the next increase been announced?
Only for Prince Edward Island: $17.60 on April 1, 2027. For the other 13 jurisdictions, no next rate was announced on the official sources when we checked.
How are minimum wage increases decided?
It differs by jurisdiction. The "Indexation rule" column quotes the official wording where the government page states one, for example the federal rate is based on Canada's Consumer Price Index for the previous calendar year, as published by Statistics Canada.
What does the Prince Edward Island rate look like?
$17.30 per hour since October 1, 2026, with $17.60 scheduled from April 1, 2027.
Related guides and trackers
- Canada Minimum Wage 2026: Provincial Rates & Guide
- Discover Ontario Minimum Wage 2026: See New Rates Now
- Federal Minimum Wage 2026: Canada’s New Pay Rate
- More coverage: Minimum Wage & Employment Law
- Express Entry Latest Draws (CRS cut-offs)
- PNP Draws by Province
- IRCC Processing Times
- Canada Benefit Payment Dates 2026-2027 (CPP, OAS, GIS, CCB, GST/HST)
Disclaimer: this page is for general information only and is not legal, immigration, tax or financial advice. Always confirm with the official source linked in each row. See our disclaimer.