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July 4, 2024

Navigating the Minimum Wage Landscape Across Canadian Provinces

Canada’s minimum wage varies significantly across its provinces and territories, reflecting local economic conditions and the cost of living. Understanding these differences is crucial for both employers and employees. Here is an overview of the current minimum wages for every province in Canada.

Alberta: $15.00 (Effective October 1, 2018)

Alberta’s general minimum wage applies to all employees, except for students under 18, who earn $13 per hour. Special rates include $598 per week for certain salespersons and $2,848 per month for domestic employees. Additionally, employees must be paid at least three hours’ pay at the minimum wage each time they report to work, regardless of the actual hours worked, unless unavailable for the full three hours.

British Columbia: $17.40 (Effective June 1, 2024)

British Columbia has varying minimum wages for specific job roles:

  • Live-in camp leaders: $138.93 per day
  • Live-in home support workers: $129.62 per day
  • Resident caretakers: $1,041.80 per month plus $41.74 per suite (for buildings with 9-60 suites) or $3,548.63 per month for buildings with 61 or more suites.

Manitoba: $15.30 (Effective October 1, 2023)

Manitoba’s minimum wage is set to rise to $15.80 on October 1, 2024. Certain workers, such as those in domestic roles working fewer than 12 hours a week or those in training programs, are exempt from this rate.

New Brunswick: $15.30 (Effective April 1, 2024)

New Brunswick permits overtime work, requiring employers to pay either three hours’ minimum wage or the overtime rate, whichever is higher. This ensures fair compensation for employees working beyond regular hours.

Newfoundland & Labrador: $15.60 (Effective April 1, 2024)

The minimum wage in Newfoundland & Labrador was increased by $0.60 in April 2024, reflecting ongoing adjustments to meet living cost requirements.

Northwest Territories: $16.05 (Effective September 1, 2023)

The minimum wage in the Northwest Territories is adjusted annually based on changes in the Consumer Price Index and the average hourly wage. This ensures the minimum wage keeps pace with economic conditions.

Nova Scotia: $15.20 (Effective April 1, 2024)

Nova Scotia’s Minimum Wage Review Committee, comprising employee and employer representatives, conducts an annual review to adjust the minimum wage, ensuring it remains fair and relevant.

Nunavut: $19.00 (Effective January 1, 2024)

Nunavut’s significant minimum wage increase to $19.00 aims to address the high cost of living in the territory, ensuring workers can meet their basic needs.

Ontario: $16.55 (Effective October 1, 2023)

Ontario has specific minimum wages for different worker classifications:

  • Students under 18: $15.60 per hour
  • Hunting and fishing guides: $82.85 for less than five hours, $165.75 for five or more hours in a day
  • Homeworkers: $18.20 per hour

Prince Edward Island: $15.40 (Effective April 1, 2024)

Prince Edward Island’s minimum wage will increase to $16.00 per hour on October 1, 2024, continuing its trend of gradual wage increases.

Quebec: $15.75 (Effective May 1, 2024)

Quebec’s minimum wage has risen steadily since 2019, with the latest increase to $15.75 reflecting significant economic adjustments.

Saskatchewan: $14.00 (Effective October 1, 2023)

Certain workers in Saskatchewan, including those in farming, ranching, and caregiving roles, are exempt from the minimum wage, reflecting the province’s diverse economic landscape.

Yukon: $17.59 (Effective April 1, 2024)

Yukon’s minimum wage increase, as part of broader measures to improve affordability, ensures that the lowest-paid workers can better meet their living expenses.

Understanding these provincial differences in minimum wages is essential for employers and employees alike, ensuring compliance and fair compensation. For those looking to understand the intricacies of the Canadian visa application process or seeking expert guidance, Bluethroat Immigration provides invaluable support.

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