Natalia
Millions of workers—and the employers who pay them—are adjusting to minimum wage changes across Canada in 2025.
This guide rounds up the current hourly rates, effective dates, and notable rules in each province and territory, plus the federal minimum wage that applies to federally regulated sectors.
Use the quick table, then scan the notes for what actually changes in April, June, September, and October 2025.
2025 Minimum Wage By Jurisdiction (With key 2025 Dates)
| Jurisdiction | General hourly rate (2025) | 2025 effective date(s) & notes |
|---|---|---|
| Federal (Federally regulated sectors) | $17.75 | Effective Apr 1, 2025; higher local rate prevails. |
| Alberta | $15.00 (students ≤18, ≤28 hrs/wk: $13.00) | Rate unchanged since 2018; special categories apply. |
| British Columbia | $17.85 | Effective Jun 1, 2025 (annual CPI-linked adjustment). |
| Manitoba | $15.80 → $16.00 | Oct 1, 2025 increase to $16.00. |
| New Brunswick | $15.65 | Effective Apr 1, 2025; CPI-linked going forward. |
| Newfoundland & Labrador | $16.00 | Effective Apr 1, 2025; adjusted annually Apr 1. |
| Nova Scotia | $15.70 → $16.50 | Apr 1, 2025 to $15.70; Oct 1, 2025 to $16.50 (CPI+1% model). |
| Ontario | $17.20 → $17.60 | Oct 1, 2025 to $17.60 (annual CPI review). |
| Prince Edward Island | $16.00 → $16.50 | Oct 1, 2025 to $16.50; planned $17.00 on Apr 1, 2026. |
| Québec | $16.10 | Effective May 1, 2025 (tipped: $12.90). |
| Saskatchewan | $15.00 → $15.35 | Oct 1, 2025 to $15.35 (indexation formula). |
| Northwest Territories | $16.95 | Effective Sep 1, 2025 (annual CPI/AHW formula). |
| Nunavut | $19.75 | Effective Sep 1, 2025; annual Sep 1 formula going forward. |
| Yukon | $17.94 | Effective Apr 1, 2025 (annual CPI on Apr 1). |
Tip: The federal minimum applies only to federally regulated employers (e.g., banks, telecom, interprovincial transport).
If a province/territory has a higher rate, employers must pay the higher of the two.
What’s Changing In October 2025?
The big action is Oct 1, 2025, when Ontario ($17.60), Manitoba ($16.00), Nova Scotia ($16.50), Prince Edward Island ($16.50), and Saskatchewan ($15.35) all bump rates.
If you run payroll in multiple provinces, update wage tables, student/sector-specific categories, and poster notices before that date.
Who’s Covered—And Common Exceptions
- General minimum wage applies to most employees; some jurisdictions set different rates for students, liquor servers, or other categories (e.g., Alberta students; Québec tipped; B.C. servers are at general rate). Always verify your worker’s category.
- Several regions use indexation to inflation (CPI) on a fixed date: BC (June 1), Ontario (Oct 1), NS (CPI+1%), PEI (annual review), YT (Apr 1), NWT (CPI/AHW formula), Federal (Apr 1 CPI).
How To Stay Compliant
- Audit pay rates now for roles at or near the floor in provinces with Oct 1 changes.
- Update offer letters, scheduling tools, and payroll software ahead of the effective date.
- Re-confirm student/trainee and tipped categories where applicable, and adjust shift premiums to protect differentials.
- Communicate changes to staff with the new hourly rate and effective date to avoid underpayment disputes.
Canada’s minimum wage map in 2025 features meaningful increases clustered around Apr 1, Jun 1, Sep 1, and Oct 1.
If you’re an employer, plan ahead for October’s multi-province hikes and verify special categories (students, tipped, federally regulated).
If you’re a worker, confirm your jurisdiction, note the effective date, and make sure your pay matches the new hourly rate on day one.
Keeping on top of these changes protects budgets, ensures compliance, and helps everyone start the next pay period on the right foot.
FAQs
Only for federally regulated employers. If your province/territory sets a higher minimum, you must pay the higher rate.