Minimum wage is the lowest amount that employers can legally pay workers. It’s a standard that applies to almost every type of job and is standard across most developed countries. In Canada, each province and territory sets its own minimum wage. This article covers all the minimum wage rates in every province and territory across Canada, as well as other factors you should know if you’re looking for work or preparing to enter the job market. Nunavut has the highest minimum wage in Canada, at $16.00 per hour. Yukon follows closely with a minimum wage of $15.70 per hour, while Saskatchewan has the lowest rate in the country at $13.00 per hour.
Minimum Wage in Provinces and Territories
Note that the minimum wage in each province and territory is subject to change as needed by government. You should confirm the current rate using a government website or contacting the provincial department of labour. The following table shows the current minimum wage rates in each province and territory.
Alberta
The minimum wage in Alberta is $15.00 per hour. Alberta is the only province or territory in Canada that has a minimum wage of $15 per hour.
Alberta Tax Rates:
- Up to $131,220: 10.00%
- $131,220.01 – $157,464: 12.00%
- $157,464.01 – $209,952: 13.00%
- $209,952.01 – $314,928: 14%
- $314,928.01 and more: 15%
British Columbia
The minimum wage in British Columbia is $15.65 per hour.
British Columbia Tax Rates:
- Up to $43,070: 5.06%
- $43.070.01 – $86,141: 7.70%
- $86,141.01 – $98,901: 10.50%
- $98,901.01 – $120,094: 12.29%
- $120,094.01 – $162,832: 14.70%
- $62,832.01 – $227,091: 16.80%
- $227,091.01 and more: 20.50%
Manitoba
The minimum wage in Manitoba is $13.50 per hour. The minimum wage is expected to rise to $14.15 on April 1st, 2023, rising to $15.00 on October 1st, 2023.
Manitoba Tax Rates:
- Up to $34,431: 10.80%
- $34,431.01 – $74,416: 12.75%
- $74,416.01 and more: 17.4%
New Brunswick
The minimum wage in New Brunswick is $13.75 per hour.
New Brunswick Tax Rates:
- Up to $44,887: 9.40%
- $44,887.01 – $89,775: 14.82%
- $89,775.01 – $145,955: 16.52%
- $145,955.01 – $166,280: 17.84%
- $166,280.01 and more: 20.30%
Newfoundland and Labrador
The minimum wage in Newfoundland and Labrador is $13.70 per hour. The minimum wage is expected to rise to $14.50 on April 1st, 2023, rising to $15.00 on October 1st, 2023.
Newfoundland and Labrador Tax Rates:
- Up to $39,147: 8.70%
- $39,147.01 – $78,294: 14.50%
- $78,294.01 – $139,780: 15.80%
- $139,780.01 – $195,693: 17.80%
- $195,693.01 – $250,000: 19.80%
- $250,000.01 – $500,000: 20.80%
- $500,000.01 – 1,000,000: 21.30%
- $1,000,000.01 and more: 21.8%
Northwest Territories
The minimum wage in the Northwest Territories is $15.20.
Northwest Territories Tax Rates:
- Up to $45,462: 5.90%
- $45,692.01 – $90,927: 8.60%
- $90,927.01 – $147,826: 12.20%
- $147,826.01 and more: 14.05%
Nova Scotia
The minimum wage in Nova Scotia is $13.60 per hour. The minimum was will rise to $14.30 on April 1st, 2023, rising to $14.65 on October 1st, 2023, with a further increase to $15.00 on April 1st, 2024.
Nova Scotia Tax Rates:
- Up to $29,950: 8.79%
- $29,950 – $59,180: 14.95%
- $59,180.01 – $93,000: 16.67%
- $93,000.01 – $150,000: 17.50%
- $150,000 and more: 21%
Nunavut
The Nunavut minimum wage is $16.00 per hour.
Nunavut Tax Rates:
- Up to $47,862: 4%
- $47,862.01 – $95,724: 7%
- $95,724.01 – $155,625: 9%
- $155,625.01 and more: 11.50%
Ontario
The minimum wage in Ontario is $15.50 per hour.
Ontario Tax Rates:
- Up to $46,226: 5.05%
- $46,226.01 – $92,454: 9.15%
- $92,454.01 – $150,000: 11.16%
- $150,000.01 – $220,000: 12.16%
- $220,000.01 and more: 13.16%
Prince Edward Island
The minimum wage in Prince Edward Island is $13.70 per hour. The minimum wage will rise to $14.50 on January 1st, 2023, rising to $15.00 on Oct 1st, 2023.
Prince Edward Island Tax Rates:
- Up to $31,984: 9.8%
- $31,984.01 – $63,969: 13.80%
- $63,969 and more: 16.70%
Quebec
The minimum wage in Quebec is $14.25 per hour.
Quebec Tax Rates:
- Up to $46,295: 15%
- $46,295.01 – $92,580: 20.00%
- $92,580.01 – $112,655: 24.00%
- $112,655 and more: 25.75%
Saskatchewan
The minimum wage in Saskatchewan is $13.00 per hour. The minimum wage will rise to $14.00 on October 1st, 2023, and then increasing to $15.00 on October 1, 2024.
Saskatchewan Tax Rates:
- Up to $46,773: 10.50%
- $46,773.01 – $133,638: 12.50%
- $133,638.01 and more: 14.50%
Yukon Territory
The minimum wage in the Yukon Territory is $15.70 per hour.
Yukon Territory Tax Rates:
- Up to $50,197: 6.40%
- $50,197.01 – $100,392: 9.00%
- $100,392.01 – $155,625: 10.90%
- $155,625.01 – $500,000: 12.8%
- $500,000.01 and more: 15%
Federal
A Federal employee will receive at least $15.00 per hour. However, if the minimum wage in the province of employment is higher than $15.00 then the employee will receive the higher wage.
Conclusion
While the minimum wage varies across the country, it’s important to remember that whatever the rate is in your area, it’s the least amount an employer can legally pay you. If you’re looking for work, remember to check the minimum wage in the province or territory you’re hoping to work in. If you’re hired for a job, make sure your employer pays you at least the minimum wage required by law.
