What are the 2024 Minimum Wage Rates Across Canada’s Provinces?

Prospective immigrants eyeing Canada are keen to learn about the 2024 minimum wage and its regional variations. Meanwhile, residents across Canada are eager to discover when their province plans to raise the minimum wage, given the recent surge in inflation.

As of January 1, 2024, the Nunavut government has boosted the minimum wage from $16.00 to $19.00 per hour, making it the highest minimum wage nationwide. This hike underscores continuous initiatives to guarantee equitable pay for workers in the region.

In Canada, the minimum wage acts as the legally mandated baseline pay that employers are required to provide their employees. While the federal government establishes the minimum wage for federal organizations across the country, provincial governments have the autonomy to set minimum wages for provincial government employees and private sector workers within their individual jurisdictions.

To ensure fair compensation and adapt to inflation, both the federal and most provincial governments routinely assess and revise minimum wage rates. Stay up-to-date on these changes and upcoming adjustments by subscribing to Immigration News Canada for the latest updates and anticipated raise schedules.

2024 Minimum Wage Update for Federally Regulated Sectors in Canada

On April 1, 2024, the minimum wage for federally regulated private sectors will be adjusted to align with Canada's Consumer Price Index (CPI) for 2023.

As of now, the federal minimum wage in Canada is $16.65 per hour, which was revised on April 1, 2023, reflecting the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for 2022. This marks an increase from the previous rate of $15.55 per hour.

Employees and interns engaged in federally regulated commercial sectors, such as banking, postal and courier services, as well as interprovincial transportation by air, rail, road, and sea, are encompassed within the purview of the federally regulated private sector.

The projected increment, set to take effect on April 1, 2024, is anticipated to elevate the minimum wage to around $17.17 per hour. This adjustment is calculated based on a 12-month moving average CPI of 3.1% reported by Statistics Canada in October 2023.

Nova Scotia's Minimum Wage Forecast:

Residents are anticipating a 4.1% increase in the minimum wage by 2024, reflecting current inflation rates.

The province adheres to an annual practice of adjusting the minimum wage every April 1st, which includes the inflation rate plus an additional 1%.

Consequently, Nova Scotians can expect a wage increase from $15 to $15.60 per hour, starting April 1, 2024.

Prince Edward Island's Minimum Wage Update:

Scheduled for April 1, 2024, Prince Edward Island is set to increase its minimum wage to $15.40 per hour. Previously, the minimum wage was raised from $14.50 to $15 per hour on October 1, 2023.

Furthermore, there are plans for another increase to $16 per hour on October 1, 2024.

New Brunswick Minimum Wage Update:

New Brunswick is anticipated to adjust its minimum wage based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI), continuing its approach from 2023. Currently, the minimum wage in New Brunswick is $14.75 per hour, up from $13.75 per hour on April 1, 2023.

The projected new minimum wage in New Brunswick is expected to reach approximately $15 per hour by April 1, 2024.

Yukon’s Minimum Wage Update:

Yukon is scheduled to raise its minimum wage on April 1, 2024, in alignment with the annual inflation rate. Presently, Yukon’s minimum wage is $16.77 per hour, with expectations for it to rise to over $17.62 per hour on April 1, 2024.

Ontario’s Minimum Wage Update:

Ontario will disclose the magnitude of its minimum wage hike by April 1, 2024. Although announced on April 1, 2024, the new minimum wage will officially come into effect on October 1, 2024. Even with a conservative estimate of a $1 increase, the minimum wage in Ontario is expected to rise to $17.55 per hour.

Canada’s Minimum Wage Raise Schedule:

Here's an overview of the current minimum wage rates across different provinces and territories in Canada, along with their next scheduled raise dates and estimated new rates:

• Ontario: $16.55 (next raise date: October 1, 2024, estimate: $17.65)
• Manitoba: $15.30 (next raise date: October 1, 2024, estimate: $16.00)
• Nova Scotia: $15.00 (next raise date: October 1, 2024, estimate: $15.50)
• Saskatchewan: $14.00 (next raise date: October 1, 2024, estimate: $15.00)
• Newfoundland & Labrador: $15.00 (next raise date: October 1, 2024, estimate: $15.50)
• Prince Edward Island: $15.00 (next raise date: October 1, 2024, estimate: $15.50)
• Canada (federally regulated private sectors): $16.65 (next raise date: April 1, 2024; estimate: $17.75)
• New Brunswick: $14.75 (expected raise date: April 1, 2024; estimated: $15.50)
• Alberta: $15.00 (raise date TBD, estimate TBD)
• British Columbia: $16.75 (next raise date: June 1, 2024, estimate: $17.75)
• Quebec: $15.25 (next raise date: May 1, 2024, estimate: $16.25)
• Nunavut: $16.00 (next raise date: April 1, 2024, estimated TBD)
• Northwest Territories: $16.05 (next raise date: September 1, 2024, estimate: $17.00)
• Yukon: $16.77 (next raise date: April 1, 2024; estimate: $17.50)

The Highest Minimum Wage in Canada for 2024:

Nunavut, a Canadian territory, leads the nation with the highest minimum wage set at $19.00 per hour, effective January 1, 2024.

Ontario Minimum Wage 2024 Update Schedule:

The Ontario government is scheduled to announce any minimum wage increases by April 1, 2024, with the adjustments slated to come into effect on October 1, 2024.

Minimum wage adjustments typically occur annually to align with changes in the inflation rate, reflecting economic dynamics.

In 2024, minimum wage rates across Canadian provinces will vary, as adjustments are tailored to local economic conditions. Some provinces have already increased rates, while others have plans for future adjustments. This diversity underscores efforts to ensure fair compensation for workers. Continuous monitoring of these adjustments will be essential to gauge their impact on workers and businesses nationwide.

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