Minimum Wage in Canada 2026
Current minimum wage rates for all Canadian provinces and territories, updated with 2026 scheduled increases.
Minimum Wage by Province — Details
Minimum Wage in Ontario
Ontario's minimum wage is $17.20 per hour as of October 1, 2024. It is scheduled to increase to $17.95 per hour on October 1, 2026. Ontario has the largest labour market in Canada, with millions of youth working in retail, food service, and hospitality. Students under 18 who work 28 hours per week or less during school earn a student minimum wage of $16.20/hr. Liquor servers earn the general minimum wage.
Minimum Wage in British Columbia
British Columbia's minimum wage is $17.85 per hour as of June 1, 2025, and will increase to $18.25 per hour on June 1, 2026. BC adjusts its minimum wage annually based on the consumer price index. There is no separate minimum wage for liquor servers or students in BC. Youth aged 12-14 can work with parental consent under specific conditions.
Minimum Wage in Alberta
Alberta's minimum wage is $15.00 per hour, unchanged since June 2019. It is the lowest general minimum wage in Canada (tied with Saskatchewan). Alberta has a separate student minimum wage of $13.00/hr for students under 18. Youth aged 13-14 can work with parental consent in light duties, and those aged 15+ can work in most jobs without restriction.
Minimum Wage in Quebec (Salaire Minimum)
Quebec's minimum wage is $16.10 per hour as of May 1, 2025, increasing to $16.60 per hour on May 1, 2026. Employees who receive tips earn $12.60/hr. Quebec has strong labour protections for youth, and workers under 14 generally need parental authorization. All job postings in Quebec must include French language requirements.
Minimum Wage in Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia's minimum wage is $16.50 per hour as of October 1, 2025, with a scheduled increase to $17.00 per hour on October 1, 2026. Nova Scotia reviews its minimum wage annually through the Minimum Wage Review Committee. There is no separate youth or student minimum wage.
Minimum Wage in Manitoba
Manitoba's minimum wage is $15.80 per hour as of October 1, 2024. Manitoba adjusts its minimum wage annually based on the consumer price index. There is no separate minimum wage for youth or students. Youth under 16 have restrictions on work hours during school days.
Minimum Wage in Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan's minimum wage is $15.00 per hour as of October 1, 2024, tied with Alberta as the lowest in Canada. Saskatchewan indexes its minimum wage to the consumer price index. Youth aged 14 and 15 can work limited hours with some restrictions on types of employment.
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Source: Government of Canada, provincial employment standards legislation. Last updated May 2026. Rates are subject to change. Always verify with your provincial government.