The minimum wage is an essential structure in modern economies. It serves as a protection for workers so that the modern cost of living never outpaces the wages of a full-time job. People at every level of employment must be able to support themselves when they take a job. The minimum wage prevents employers from paying less than the minimum cost of living to workers on a per-hour basis.
In Canada, labor laws are structured the same throughout the provinces, but each province and territory defines its own minimum wage amount. To know the minimum wage for a job in Canada, you will need to identify the current minimum wage based on your province.
Inflation Minimum Wage
The minimum wage in Canada increases by a small amount every year to account for inflation. Because inflation continues at a fairly steady pace, so too does the cost of living and the necessary minimum wage to match. However, the pace is not exactly the same in each province. Most Canadian provinces have an inflation clause for minimum wage, but not all. Be sure to keep tabs on your current minimum wage to make sure your employment meets legal minimum standards.
Canadian Federal Minimum Wage
Federal Rate Minimum Wage
- $15.00
For employees of the Canadian federal government, the minimum wage is $15 in 2022. On April 1 of every year, the minimum wage is adapted based on the CPI, Consumer Price Index. This way, the Canadian federal minimum wage keeps up with inflation.
Canada Minimum Wage by Province 2022
Alberta Minimum Wage
- $15.00 for General Workers
- $13.00 for Students Under 18
- Less than 28 hrs/wk when school is in session
The Alberta minimum wage is $15. For students under the age of 18 working part-time, the minimum wage in Alberta is $13.
British Columbia Minimum Wage
- $15.20 for General Workers
- $15.20 for Liquor Servers
In British Columbia, Liquor server pay has caught up with the standard minimum wage at $15.20 in 2021 and by June 1, 2022, will be $15.65/hr.
Manitoba Minimum Wage
- $11.95
Manitoba has the lowest minimum wage in Canada and is not set to increase this year at $11.95.
New Brunswick Minimum Wage
- $11.75
- $12.75 April 1, 2022
- $13.75 October 1, 2022
New Brunswick province lags behind most of Canada, but with a rapid plan to get closer to the federal standard. Expect quick updates in 2022 to the New Brunswick minimum wage, ending at $13.75 by October 1, 2022.
Newfoundland & Labrador Minimum Wage
- $12.75
- $13.20 April 1, 2022
The minimum wage for Newfoundland & Labrador will be increasing to $13.20 per hour as of April 1, 2022.
Nova Scotia Minimum Wage
- $12.95
- $13.35 April 1, 2022
- $13.60 October 1, 2022
The minimum wage for Nova Scotia will be increased to $13.35 per hour as of April 1, 2022. It will increase again to $13.60 on October 1, 2022.
Ontario Minimum Wage
- $15.00 for General Workers
- $14.10 for Students Under 18
- Less than 28 hrs/wk
The minimum wage in Ontario is $15/hour. For students working part-time under the age of 18, the minimum wage is $14.10.
Prince Edward Island Minimum Wage
- $13.00
- $13.70 April 1, 2022
The current minimum wage in Prince Edward Island is $13, but will soon be $13.70 by April 1, 2022.
Québec Minimum Wage
- $13.50
- $14.25 by May 1, 2022
- $10.80
- $11.40 by May 1, 2022
- If Gratuities Apply
- Tipped roles, when tips reach standard minimum wage
Quebec has a minimum wage of $13.50. Tipped roles where the tips combined with wages add up to $13.50 may be set at an hourly wage of $10.80. Soon, these rates will be raised to $14.25 and $11.40 by May 1. 2022.
Saskatchewan Minimum Wage
The minimum wage of Saskatchewan was raised to $11.81 in 2021.
Canada Minimum Wage by Territory
Northwest Territories Minimum Wage
Yukon Minimum Wage
Nunavut Minimum Wage
Conclusion
Knowing the minimum wage in Canada is the first step to hiring the roles you need or finding a fair-paying job. Contact us today for more insights and helpful references in Canadian recruitment and job-finding services.
