Nunavut: $16 per hour
Yukon: $15.20 per hour
British Columbia: $15.65 per hour
Ontario: $15.50 per hour
Northwest Territories: $15.20 per hour
Alberta $15 per hour
Quebec: $14.25 per hour
New Brunswick: $13.75 per hour
Prince Edward Island: $13.70 per hour
Nova Scotia: $13.35 per hour
Newfoundland and Labrador: $13.20 per hour
Manitoba: $12.75 per hour
Saskatchewan: $11.85 per hour
This year has brought on many new economic changes in Canada: the rise in gas prices, food wage hikes and shortages, a skyrocketing real estate market, and now a possible recession. However, there have been some changes that can work towards improving Canadians quality of life. One change, in particular, is the rise in the minimum wage across the country.
Although some would argue these rises were long overdue, it's important to acknowledge that they are happening and will continue to do so. Plus, with the rising costs of many essential items, a higher minimum wage may help to offset some of the negative effects. While there is still work to be done and progress to be made to ensure a fair standard of living across Canada, wage increases are a step in the right direction.
To provide some context, Canadian-based lender, iCash is compiling a list of all the current minimum wages in each province and territory, as well as outlining when the next rise is scheduled (if any). If you've ever wondered what the current minimum wage is in your province or territory, or are simply interested in discovering which places in Canada have the highest minimum wages, read on the find out.
Canadian Provinces With the Highest Minimum Wage
In order, we'll list the top Canadian provinces and territories that have the highest minimum wage, starting with the highest minimum wage and working our way down. This guide is designed to help you understand the current minimum wage where you live as well as how often it changes or is scheduled to change.
It's also important to note that if you or someone you know is working on commission, as an intern, or is an executive/managerial employee, different wage rules may apply. And, if you ever find yourself struggling to make ends meet on your current wage, there are many government-funded benefit programs and services in place to help.
So, without further ado, let's take a look at the current minimum wages throughout the country and how they compare to the rising cost of living.
Nunavut
Currently, Nunavut has the highest minimum wage in Canada. Effective April 1, 2020, Nunavut’'s minimum wage was raised to $16.00 per hour. This is an increase of $0.70 from the previous year.
When it comes to reviewing the annual minimum wage, the NWT & Nunavut Wage Review Board looks at a variety of factors.
These include:
The cost of living
Average hourly wage
Consumer Price Index
Average weekly earnings
Yukon
The current minimum wage in the Yukon, a territory in northwest Canada, is $15.20, which took effect on April 1, 2021. The minimum wage is adjusted on April 1st of each year and is relative to the Consumer Price Index. With the minimum wage being among the highest in the country, this territory is a great place for those looking to start their career or move up the wage ladder.
Northwest Territories
Similar to Nunavut and Yukon, the Northwest Territories has a higher minimum wage sitting at $15.20 effective September 1, 2021. The territory's wage is reviewed by a committee every two years, which most recently occurred in 2019. And while the review doesn't necessarily result in changes, the government does continue to monitor the cost of living and other economic indicators regularly.
British Columbia
After the territories, British Columbia has the next highest minimum wage in Canada. The current wage in the province is $15.20 effective June 1, 2021, and is set to rise to $15.65 on June 1, 2022, which is an increase of $0.45.
The B.C government has also committed to reviewing the minimum wage each year and making changes as needed. This is to ensure that wages are keeping up with the rising cost of living and to protect the province's lowest-paid workers.
Ontario
Ontario's current minimum wage sits at $15.00, and the next review is set to happen in October of this year with an increase to $15.50. However, it's important to note that the Minister of Labour has the power to make changes at any time if it's warranted.
With Ontario being the largest populated province in Canada, it's no surprise that the minimum hourly wage is among the highest to help offset the cost of living. It's also important to note that the minimum wage applies to all workers in Ontario, with very few exceptions.
For example, before 2022, many restaurant workers in Ontario were working for less than the province’s wage, but this is no longer the case. As of January 1, 2022, all servers, waiters, and bartenders will earn the same minimum wage as other workers in the province - $15.00 per hour.
Alberta
The current minimum wage in Alberta is $15.00. The next review isn't set until October 1, 2023; however, the government does have the power to make changes as needed if necessary.
Much like Nunavut and Ontario, Alberta also looks at a variety of factors when it comes to reviewing its wages. With Alberta being the fourth-largest province in Canada by population, the cost of living can be quite high in certain areas; therefore, wages are set among the highest to help offset these costs.
Prince Edward Island
The current minimum wage in Prince Edward Island is $13.70 effective April 1, 2022. Similar to other provinces, the government looks at a variety of factors when it comes to reviewing and setting the minimum. With the cost of living rising each year, the government has to ensure that the employees' paychecks are keeping up with these changes.
Quebec
The current minimum wage in Quebec is $13.50. The next review is set for May 1, 2022, where it is expected to be $14.25 - a total increase of $0.75. For tipped employees, the minimum will rise from $10.80 to $11.40.
It's important to note that the minimum wage in Quebec is different for certain workers.
These include:
Students who work for a non-profit organization with a social or community mission.
Interns or apprentices who are enrolled in a professional training program that's recognized by law.
Workers who are strictly paid on commission, working with a commercial activity off-site, and whose working time and hours are not influenced by the employer. For example, a call centre salesperson who receives a commission based on the number of sales wouldn't be entitled to the minimum wage.
Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia's current minimum wage is $13.35 effective as of April 1, 2022. An exciting note to point out is that the province is currently in the midst of a five-step plan to bring the minimum wage to $15.00 by April 1, 2024. Beginning April 1, 2025, wages will be adjusted with inflation plus an additional 1% annually.
Much like other provinces, Nova Scotia also looks at a variety of factors when it comes to setting its numbers. In addition to considering the inflation rate, the province also takes into consideration the cost of living and the overall state of the economy.
Newfoundland & Labrador
Currently, the minimum wage in Newfoundland & Labrador is $13.20 as of April 1, 2022. The government does have the power to make changes as needed if necessary; however, they typically review the numbers annually to ensure that it's keeping up with the cost of living.
Newfoundland & Labrador looks at a variety of factors when it comes to setting the minimum wage, including:
The Consumer Price Index
The Average Weekly Earnings
The Low-Income Cut-Off
New Brunswick
The current minimum wage in New Brunswick is $12.75 as of April 1, 2022, and will rise to $13.75 in October 2022 - a total increase of $1.00 within a six-month timeframe. Since 2019, the median wage in the province has increased by 14 percent compared with a two percent increase in the minimum wage.
Manitoba
Manitoba's currently has one of the lowest minimum wages in the entire country, sitting at $11.95. The province's wage will increase to $12.35 effective October 1, 2022, and is adjusted annually in October based on the inflation rate.
Although the 40-cent increase will take effect on October 1st, Manitobans still have some time to wait, and will still be $1.40 behind New Brunswick. This means that even with the wage increase, the province will still have the second-lowest minimum wage in the country.
Saskatchewan
The current minimum wage in Saskatchewan is $11.81, which is the lowest in all of Canada. The province typically reviews wages every year on October 1st; however, no changes have been made in recent years. Wage reviews in the province are relative to the Consumer Price Index and other various economical factors.
Canadian Minimum Wage by Province
Whether you're a student working your way through school or a single parent trying to support your family, the minimum wage is an important topic. Regardless of what province you live in, it's important to know what the current wages are and how often they change.
If you are working as one of Canada's lowest-paid worker and finding it difficult to cover your daily expenses, you could always consider a short term loan from iCash. With our easy online application and fast approval process, we could help get you the money you need in as little as five minutes.
