Effective October 1, 2024, several Canadian provinces will increase their minimum wage rates to reflect the current cost of living and economic conditions.
Provincial Minimum Wage Increases:
- Ontario: From $16.55 to $17.20 per hour (3.93% increase)
- Manitoba: From $15.30 to $15.80 per hour (adjustment based on Consumer Price Index)
- Saskatchewan: From $14.00 to $15.00 per hour (7.14% increase)
- Prince Edward Island: From $15.40 to $16.00 per hour
These adjustments are part of annual reviews by Canadian provinces to ensure minimum wages keep pace with economic realities.
Additional Changes in Ontario:
- New minimum wage of $16.20 per hour for students under 18 working limited hours
- Increased homeworker wage from $18.20 to $18.90 per hour
- New daily wage structure for hunting, fishing, and wilderness guides
Current and Upcoming Minimum Wage Rates Across Canada:
- British Columbia: $17.40 per hour (highest in Canada)
- Ontario: $17.20 per hour (effective October 1, 2024)
- Manitoba: $15.80 per hour (effective October 1, 2024)
- Saskatchewan: $15.00 per hour (effective October 1, 2024)
- Prince Edward Island: $16.00 per hour (effective October 1, 2024)
Labour activists in Ontario are advocating for a minimum wage of $20 per hour, citing the Ontario Living Wage Network’s report that the living wage in many areas exceeds $20 per hour, reaching over $25 in the Greater Toronto Area.
These increases reflect Canada’s commitment to adjusting minimum wages annually to address inflation and living costs, ensuring fair compensation for workers.