Five Canadian Provinces to Increase Minimum Wage from October 1
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New minimum wages will be rolled out for five major Canadian provinces including Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island, effective October 1. The new minimum wages are going to impact workers, businesses, and the economy at large.
What are the New Minimum Wages by Province?
Here are some brief details about the New Minimum Wages for major Canadian provinces– Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island.
1. Ontario Minimum Wage Increase
Ontario will raise its general minimum wage to CAD 17.60 per hour as of October 1, 2025, from last year’s CAD 17.20 per hour.
|
Category |
Previous Rate (Oct 2024-Sep 2025) |
New Rate (Oct 2025-Sep 2026) |
|
Student (under 18, ≤28 hr/week) |
CAD 16.20 per hour |
CAD 16.60 per hour |
|
Homeworkers |
CAD 18.90 per hour |
CAD 19.35 per hour |
2. Manitoba Minimum Wage Increase
This increase indicates the province’s annual adjustment based on the provincial Consumer Price Index (CPI).
|
Description |
Rate Before Oct 1, 2025 |
Rate from Oct 1, 2025 |
|
Manitoba Minimum Wage |
CAD 15.80 per hour |
CAD 16.00 per hour |
3. Saskatchewan Minimum Wage Increase 2025
The moderate increase shows the province’s balanced approach to supporting workers while maintaining business sustainability.
Description | Rate Before Oct 1, 2025 | Rate from Oct 1, 2025 |
Saskatchewan Minimum Wage | CAD 15.00 per hour | CAD 15.35 per hour |
Also Read: Ontario PNP Conducts Multiple Draws on September 2, Issues 2643 Invitations
4. Nova Scotia Minimum Wage Increase 2025
Nova Scotia is implementing two minimum wage increases in 2025 to address rising living costs.
|
Date |
Minimum Wage Rate (Per Hour) |
|
October 1, 2023 |
CAD 15.00 |
|
April 1, 2024 |
CAD 15.20 |
|
April 1, 2025 |
CAD 15.70 |
|
October 1, 2025 |
CAD 16.50 |
These increases every year clearly reflect Nova Scotia’s proactive efforts to improve worker livelihoods amid rising living costs in the province.
5. Prince Edward Island Minimum Wage 2025
Prince Edward Island (PEI) is planning to raise its minimum wage to CAD 16.50 per hour on October 1, 2025, from CAD 16.00 per hour.
Date | Minimum Wage Rate (Per Hour) | Notes |
October 1, 2025 | CAD 16.50 | Increase from CAD 16.00 |
April 1, 2026 | CAD 17.00 | Planned further increase |
2025 Minimum Wage Across Canada
Here is a quick summary of minimum wage rates (as of October 1, 2025) in all provinces and territories:
Province/Territory | Minimum Wage (Oct 2025) | Next Scheduled Increase | Next Raise Date |
Canada (federal sector) | CAD 17.75 | TBD | April 1, 2026 |
Ontario | CAD 17.60 | TBD | TBD |
Manitoba | CAD 16.00 | TBD | TBD |
Saskatchewan | CAD 15.35 | TBD | TBD |
Nova Scotia | CAD 16.50 | TBD | TBD |
Prince Edward Island | CAD 16.50 | $17.00 | April 1, 2026 |
Alberta | CAD 15.00 | TBD | TBD |
British Columbia | CAD 17.85 | TBD | June 1, 2026 |
New Brunswick | CAD 15.65 | TBD | April 1, 2026 |
Newfoundland and Labrador | CAD 16.00 | TBD | April 1, 2026 |
Northwest Territories | CAD 16.70 | TBD | TBD |
Nunavut | CAD 19.00 | TBD | TBD |
Quebec | CAD 16.10 | TBD | May 1, 2026 |
Yukon | CAD 17.94 | TBD | April 1, 2026 |
Also Read: Alberta Holds Draws to Invite Law Enforcement Professionals
The Economic and Social Considerations
Raising minimum wages are significantly going to significantly help some workers, but largely business owners, particularly in retail and hospitality, must also absorb higher labour costs. Research suggests that narrowing the gap with living wage figures can better productivity and reduce workforce turnover. Policymakers are being urged to address these disparities to foster a fairer economy.
Are You Ready for Canada’s Minimum Wage Changes in 2025?
Stay informed about the wage increases in Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island starting October 1, 2025. Understand how these changes affect your pay or business operations. Get expert guidance and plan ahead with GetGIS.
