The minimum wage in these provinces of Canada — Manitoba, Ontario, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Saskatchewan have seen a raise in their minimum wages as of October 1, 2023.
Increases range from $14 to $16.55 per hour. These wage increases follow the federal government’s minimum wage increase in April 2023 to $16.65 per hour for employees in federally regulated industries.
What Is Minimum Wage?
The minimum wage is the lowest hourly rate an employer is permitted by law to pay employees. It’s meant to provide a basic standard of living for employees. The minimum wage in Canada is set by provincial and territorial governments, except for workers in federally regulated industries, where the federal minimum wage applies.
The federal minimum wage tends to be adjusted annually based on inflation, while provinces may update their wage floors less frequently.
Manitoba Minimum Wage Increase
Manitoba increased its minimum wage to $15.30 per hour on October 1, 2023, up from $14.15. The average wage in Manitoba in Q2 2023 was $22.80 per hour, indicating those earning the minimum wage still make far less than typical Manitoba workers.
Some exemptions exist in Manitoba where the minimum wage does not apply, such as for domestic employees who work a maximum of twelve hours per week, election officials, and those in approved training programs. However, most employees are covered.
Ontario Minimum Wage Increase
Ontario now has Canada’s highest provincial minimum wage, at $16.55 per hour. This is just below the current federal minimum wage. Some other increases in Ontario include:
- Students under 18 make at least $15.60 per hour.
- Homeworkers make at least $18.20 per hour.
- Hunting, fishing, and wilderness guides make a minimum of $82.85 per day (under 5 hours) or $165.75 per day (5+ hours).
The average wage in Ontario in Q2 2023 was $26.05 per hour, over $9 higher than the new minimum wage. This indicates most workers in Ontario earn substantially more.
Newfoundland And Labrador Minimum Wage Increase
On October 1, 2023, Newfoundland and Labrador raised its minimum wage to $15 per hour. This follows a minimum wage report released by the province in 2022 recommending an increase to benefit lower-paid workers.
The average wage in the province in Q2 2023 was $23.15 per hour, still far higher than the new $15 minimum wage. This indicates the minimum wage in Canada affects the lowest-paid workers while the majority earn more based on their skills and experience.
Nova Scotia Minimum Wage Increase
The general Canada minimum wage in Nova Scotia also rose to $15 per hour on October 1, 2023, a significant increase for low-paid workers in the province. A further increase is set for April 1, 2024, to $15.25 per hour.
The average wage in the province in Q2 2023 was $22.30 per hour. As in other provinces, this is far higher than the minimum wage, which indicates that it protects the lowest-paid Nova Scotians while the majority earn more.
Saskatchewan Minimum Wage Increase
On October 1, 2023, Saskatchewan raised its minimum wage from 13 to 14 dollars an hour, still the lowest in Canada. Some exemptions exist where the minimum wage does not apply, such as for nonprofit volunteers.
The minimum wage in Saskatchewan will rise again on October 1, 2024, to $15 per hour. The average wage in the Prairie province in Q2 2023 was $23.15 per hour, far above the minimum wage.
Looking Ahead
These recent minimum wage increases aim to help low-paid workers in 5 provinces cope with the rising cost of living in Canada. However, some critics argue that minimum wage hikes could lead businesses to cut jobs or hours.