New Minimum Wage in Canada by Province: How Much Will You Make in 2023?

On October 1, 2023, a new minimum wage will come into effect in Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Prince Edward Island.

This change marks a significant development in the labour landscape across these provinces.

The minimum wage, the lowest legally permissible wage rate in Canadian provinces, ensures that all employees, regardless of age or the number of hours worked, receive fair compensation. Paying less than this established minimum wage is not only unethical but also illegal.

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Minimum Wage in All Canadian Provinces and the Next Raise Schedule

New Minimum Wage in Ontario

Effective October 1st, 2023, Ontario's new minimum wage will be $16.55 per hour, marking a $1.05 increase from its previous rate of $15.50 an hour.

This adjustment comes after Ontario raised its minimum wage to $15 on January 1, 2022. The subsequent increase to $15.50 on October 1, 2022, paved the way for this latest change. 

For someone earning the minimum wage and working 40 hours per week, this means an annual increase of over $2,200.

It's essential to note that the living wage in many parts of Ontario stands at $19 per hour, with the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) requiring more than $23 per hour to meet living expenses.

Students under the age of 18, who work 28 hours or less per week during the school year or in summer vacations, will also see their hourly wage rise from $14.60 to $15.60. Additionally, the minimum wage for homeworkers will increase from $17.05 to $18.20 per hour.

For those working in hunting, fishing, and wilderness guiding, the minimum wage will rise from $77.60 to $82.85 per day for shifts under five hours and from $155.25 to $165.75 per day for shifts lasting five hours or more. 

However, some labour advocates and opposition figures argue that Ontario's minimum wage should be set at a minimum of $20 per hour.

Manitoba’s New Minimum Wage

Starting October 1, 2023, Manitoba's new minimum wage will be $15.30 per hour, an increase of $1.15 from its previous rate of $14.15 an hour.

Manitoba had already increased its minimum wage by $0.65 to $14.15 per hour on April 1, 2023. Therefore, the total increase for the year 2023 amounts to $1.80, bringing the minimum wage up from $13.50 an hour.

Going forward, the province will adjust the hourly rate annually based on the provincial Consumer Price Index (CPI). The next expected revision is set for October 1, 2024.

New Nova Scotia Minimum Wage

Nova Scotia is also set to increase its minimum wage for the second time in 2023, reaching $15 per hour on October 1, 2023.

Previously, the minimum wage had been raised to $14.50 an hour on April 1, 2023, from its previous rate of $13.60 an hour, resulting in a $1.40 raise.

Moving forward, Nova Scotia's minimum wage rates will be subject to annual adjustments every October 1st, with increases based on inflation plus an additional 1%.

Minimum Wage Increasing in Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan is increasing its minimum wage from $13 to $14 per hour, effective October 1, 2023.

This change follows the October 1, 2022, increase when the minimum wage was raised from $11.81 to $13.00 per hour. It is worth noting that the minimum wage is set to further increase to $15 per hour on October 1, 2024.

Newfoundland and Labrador's New Minimum Wage

Newfoundland and Labrador are also raising their minimum wage for the second time in 2023. Starting October 1, the new minimum wage will be $15 per hour.

Previously, on April 1, 2023, the province increased the minimum wage to $14.50 per hour from $13.70 per hour. The Minister is currently examining the recommendations of the Minimum Pay Review Committee, which suggests increasing minimum pay rates by inflation plus 1% annually after 2024.

Prince Edward Island Minimum Wage Raise

In Prince Edward Island (PEI), the minimum wage will increase by 50 cents, reaching $15 per hour on October 1, 2023.

Before this, PEI had raised the minimum wage by 80 cents on January 1, 2023, taking it to $14.50 per hour from $13.70 an hour.

Minimum Wage in All Canadian Provinces and Next Raise Schedule

As of now, Alberta is the only province that has not increased its minimum wage since 2018. The rates vary across provinces, with British Columbia currently having the highest minimum wage in Canada at $16.75 per hour, effective June 1, 2023. It is expected to further increase on June 1, 2024.

Minimum Wage in All the Canadian Provinces and Next Raise Schedule

*Minimum Wages in Canadian provinces

Which Province Has the Highest Minimum Wage in Canada?

British Columbia boasts the highest minimum wage in Canada, standing at $16.75 per hour, effective June 1, 2023. This rate is anticipated to rise further on June 1, 2024.

What Is the Minimum Wage in Ontario?

The current minimum wage in Ontario is $15.50 per hour, effective October 1, 2022. This is scheduled to increase to $16.55 per hour on October 1, 2023.

When Does Minimum Wage Go Up in Ontario?

The minimum wage in Ontario is slated to increase on October 1, 2023, reaching $16.55 per hour.

What Is the Minimum Wage in Saskatchewan?

Saskatchewan's current minimum wage is $13.00 per hour, effective October 1, 2022. It is set to increase to $14 per hour on October 1, 2023.

What Is the Minimum Wage in Manitoba?

The present minimum wage in Manitoba is $14.15 per hour, effective April 1, 2023. This minimum wage will see another increase on October 1, 2023, reaching $15.30 per hour.

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