Starting October 1, 2024, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Prince Edward Island will implement new minimum wage rates as part of an annual adjustment to better reflect the cost of living and economic conditions. Here’s everything you need to know about these upcoming changes and the current minimum wage landscape across Canada.
Upcoming Minimum Wage Changes
Ontario
Ontario’s minimum wage will rise from $16.55 to $17.20 per hour, marking a $0.65 increase. This adjustment is part of the province’s regular review of wages. Additionally, several specific categories will see changes:
- Students under 18: Minimum wage increases from $15.60 to $16.20 for students working fewer than 28 hours per week during the school year or full-time during breaks.
- Homeworkers: Wages will rise from $18.20 to $18.90 per hour for those working from home.
- Guides: Hunting, fishing, and wilderness guides will earn a new minimum daily wage of $82.85 (up from $77.60) for shifts under five hours, and $165.75 (up from $155.25) for longer shifts.
Despite these increases, the Ontario Living Wage Network reports that the living wage in many regions hovers around $20 per hour, exceeding $25 in the Greater Toronto Area. Activists continue to advocate for a $20 minimum wage to better align wages with living costs.
Manitoba
Manitoba will increase its minimum wage from $15.30 to $15.80 per hour. The province has seen a total increase of $1.80 over the past year due to adjustments based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI), with the next review scheduled for October 1, 2025.
Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan’s minimum wage will rise from $14.00 to $15.00 per hour. This follows a previous increase in October 2023, marking a steady effort to improve wage standards in the province.
Prince Edward Island
Prince Edward Island will see its minimum wage increase from $15.40 to $16.00 per hour. This adjustment follows an earlier increase in April 2024, further supporting workers in the province.
Current Minimum Wage Rates Across Canada
Here’s a quick overview of minimum wage rates in various provinces, along with their upcoming changes:
| Province/Territory | Current Minimum Wage | Next Increase Date | New Minimum Wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada (Federal) | $17.30 | April 1, 2025 | – |
| British Columbia | $17.40 | June 1, 2025 | – |
| Ontario | $16.55 | October 1, 2024 | $17.20 |
| Manitoba | $15.30 | October 1, 2024 | $15.80 |
| Saskatchewan | $14.00 | October 1, 2024 | $15.00 |
| Prince Edward Island | $15.40 | October 1, 2024 | $16.00 |
| Quebec | $15.75 | May 1, 2025 | – |
| Nova Scotia | $15.20 | April 1, 2025 | – |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $15.60 | April 1, 2025 | – |
| New Brunswick | $15.30 | April 1, 2025 | – |
| Northwest Territories | $16.05 | To be determined | – |
| Yukon | $17.59 | April 1, 2025 | – |
| Nunavut | $19.00 | To be determined | – |
Conclusion
The upcoming changes in minimum wage across Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Prince Edward Island reflect a nationwide effort to keep wages in line with inflation and living costs. As provinces continue to adjust their minimum wage rates annually, workers and employers alike should stay informed about these changes.
If you’re in any of the affected provinces, mark your calendars for October 1, 2024 to ensure you’re prepared for the new wage rates!
