How Much is Minimum Wage in Canada?

An hourly minimum wage is the lowest amount to pay employees per hour. The federal Government has a separate minimum wage ($15.55) for employees in federally regulated industries such as:

  • Federal crown corporations.
  • Interprovincial transportation.
  • Postal Services.
  • Banks.
  • Air transportation etc.

The minimum wage in Canada differs in each of the 10 provincial governments and territories. Provincial minimum wage applies to employees working in organizations that are not regulated by the federal government. 

Is Minimum Wage Going Up In 2022 Canada?

 With regards to the rising inflation and consumer price index, each province and territory is happily adjusting their 2022 minimum wage rates through legislation. Thus, there is a need for job seekers in Canada to go where their skills and competencies will be greatly valued.  

Tudor House Immigration Services is deeply committed to guide you on the current minimum wage rates in each Canadian province or territory. We look forward to assisting you live and work in Canada through express entry , as well as the provincial nominee program Canada.  

Here are the minimum wage rates in each province, along with their current rates and soon-to-charge rates where necessary:

  • Alberta 

The current minimum wage in Alberta is $15; there is no upcoming scheduled increase.

  • British Columbia 

The current minimum wage in British Columbia is $15.20; there is a scheduled increase set for June 1, 2022 (by June 1, it will be $15.65).

  • Manitoba 

The current minimum wage in Manitoba is $11.95. It is expected to increase to $12.35 by October 1, 2022.

  • New Brunswick 

The current minimum wage in New Brunswick is $12.75. By October 1, 2022, it will go up to $13.75.

  • Newfoundland and Labrador 

The current minimum wage in Newfoundland and Labrador is $13.20 and there is no upcoming schedule increase.

  • Northwest Territories 

In the Northwest Territories, the current minimum wage is $15.20. Rates are examined every two years. This current rate became active on September 1, 2021. It was increased from $13.46 per hour.

  • Nova Scotia 

The current minimum wage in Nova Scotia is $13.35, and there is a scheduled increase in spring and fall in the coming years- 2023 and 2024. On April 1, 2023, it will be increased to $14.30 per hour and $15 per hour on April 1, 2024.

  • Nunavut 

The current minimum wage in Nunavut is $16. The minimum wage is adjusted annually on April 1. 

  • Ontario 

The current minimum wage in Ontario is $15 per hour, with a scheduled increase to $15.50, coming up on October 1, 2022. Students under 18 are paid $14.60 per hour. 

  • Prince Edward Island 

The current minimum wage in Prince Edward Island is $13.70, there is no scheduled increase coming up. 

  • Quebec 

The current minimum wage in Quebec is $14.25. This is a 0.75% increase from the previous year. This new rate became effective on May 1, 2022.

  • Saskatchewan 

The current minimum wage in Saskatchewan is $11.81. The Saskatchewan government has announced that it will move to $13 on October 1, 2022, $14 in October 2023 and $15 in October 2024. 

  • Yukon Territory 

The current minimum wage in Yukon Territory is $15.70. This minimum wage was updated on April 1, 2022.  The minimum wage is expected to increase on April 1 every year. 

Where Is The Highest Minimum Wage In Canada?

At the moment, Nunavut has the highest minimum wage in Canada, which stands at $16 per hour. 

Others include Yukon Territory at $15.70 per hour, Northwest Territories at $15.20, British Columbia at $15.20 per hour, Alberta at $15 per hour, Ontario at $15 per hour, with a scheduled increase to $15.50 in October 1, 2022, and Quebec at $14.25 per hour. 

Since April 1, 2022, Canada has approved a new federal minimum wage of $15.55 per hour for all her federal workers regardless of the province or territory they work in. 

Special Minimum Wage Rates

A province’s minimum wage applies to all employees regardless of their:

  • Age 
  • Specialized jobs and 
  • Number of hours they work. 

However, some provinces approve different minimum wage rates based on age and specific jobs. These special minimum wage rates apply in British Columbia, Quebec, Ontario and Alberta. 

For example, the minimum wage rates in Ontario with effect from January 1, 2022 differ from others in the following categories:

  • $15 per hour for general minimum wage (scheduled to increase to $15.50 with effect from October 2022).
  • $14.10 per hour for student minimum wage ( scheduled to increase to $14.60 in October 2022), and 
  • $16.50 per hour for home workers minimum wage (scheduled to increase to $17.05 in October 2022).
  • $75 per day for less than five consecutive hours for fishing, hunting and wilderness guides or $150 for five or more hours of work per day. With effect from October 2022, these rates are scheduled to increase to $77.60 and $155.25 respectively. 

The type of work that qualifies for minimum wage vary based on the region. For example, Quebec has a special minimum wage except for strawberry and raspberry pickers. British Columbia has a special minimum wage for live-in camp leaders. Alberta has a special minimum wage package for live-in domestic workers and so on. 

International Student’s Minimum Wage, Vacations and Public Holiday Pay

International students studying in Canada are eligible to work (up to 20 hours a week), during school session and fulltime (up to 40 hours per week) during scheduled school breaks like reading week, winter closure, Spring break, summer holidays etc. 

On average, an international Student working part time can earn up to $800 to $1,500 per month, while students working full time may earn up to $1,600 to $3,000. 

International students studying in Canada can work in a variety of work / employment options such as:

  • Work-on campus
  • Work-off campus, and 
  • Work as an intern or as a co-op student 

Foreign students studying in Canada are advised to work during their studies, even if they don’t need an extra income. This will be beneficial to them, as they will gain valuable work experience that will be an advantage if they decide to work in Canada after their graduation. 

Most times, international students are entitled to the same public holiday pay and vacations as general minimum wage workers. Students are also entitled to vacation time, vacation pay and a paid day off during public statutory holidays. 

Conclusion

Federal legislation grants each province the power to determine her minimum wage rates for all her workers and also has different labor standards. Special minimum wage rates apply where necessary (depending on the class of work and province). 

 Some minimum wage employees in Canada are paid based on their provincial general rates, employees such as: 

  • Domestic workers
  • Young workers
  • Live-in care workers 
  • Workers with disabilities and
  •  Farm workers fall into a different minimum wage category. 

Others such as managerial employees, registered apprentices, students in training, rehabilitation program participants, and commission-only salespersons fall within the general minimum wage coverage. 

Job seekers in Canada should be aware of the current minimum wage rates as they seek employment opportunities in a specific job or field of their choice. 

Tudor House Immigration Service is your best Plug. We serve our clients with utmost professionalism; talk to a reliable Canadian immigration consultant, we adhere to the highest standards of client service. 

Let’s begin your immigration journey right away. 

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