The minimum wage landscape in Canada is changing again on October 1, 2026, when Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Ontario and Prince Edward Island are scheduled to apply higher general rates.
The increases are listed in the federal government’s current and forthcoming minimum wage table, which also shows the rates already in effect across the provinces and territories.
The federal minimum wage is $18.15 per hour for employees working in federally regulated sectors.
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Four provinces have October 1 increases
The October changes affect the general minimum wage in four provinces.
Employees who are paid the current minimum rate in those jurisdictions should see the new legal floor apply to work performed on or after the effective date, subject to provincial employment standards rules.
| Jurisdiction | Current rate | Rate from October 1, 2026 | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manitoba | $16.00 | $16.40 | $0.40 |
| Nova Scotia | $16.75 | $17.00 | $0.25 |
| Ontario | $17.60 | $17.95 | $0.35 |
| Prince Edward Island | $17.00 | $17.30 | $0.30 |
Manitoba’s government says its rate will rise from $16.00 to $16.40 on October 1.
Nova Scotia’s minimum wage order sets the rate at $17.00 beginning October 1, following the April 1 increase to $16.75.
Ontario’s general minimum wage will move from $17.60 to $17.95 per hour.
The province says the adjustment is tied to its Consumer Price Index.
Prince Edward Island’s scheduled rate is $17.30 per hour from October 1, up from the $17.00 rate that began on April 1, 2026.
Current general minimum wage rates across Canada
The federal table lists the following general minimum wage rates currently in effect or scheduled under provincial and territorial rules as of September 24, 2026.
| Jurisdiction | Effective date | General rate |
|---|---|---|
| Federal | April 1, 2026 | $18.15 |
| Alberta | June 26, 2019 | $15.00 |
| British Columbia | June 1, 2026 | $18.25 |
| Manitoba | October 1, 2025 | $16.00 |
| New Brunswick | April 1, 2026 | $15.90 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | April 1, 2026 | $16.35 |
| Northwest Territories | September 1, 2026 | $17.20 |
| Nova Scotia | April 1, 2026 | $16.75 |
| Nunavut | September 1, 2026 | $20.17 |
| Ontario | October 1, 2025 | $17.60 |
| Prince Edward Island | April 1, 2026 | $17.00 |
| Quebec | May 1, 2026 | $16.60 |
| Saskatchewan | October 1, 2025 | $15.35 |
| Yukon | April 1, 2026 | $18.51 |
The federal table also records future scheduled changes, including Prince Edward Island’s planned increase to $17.60 on April 1, 2027.
Where the federal minimum wage applies
The federal minimum wage does not cover every worker in Canada.
It applies to employees in federally regulated industries, including banking, telecommunications and certain international and interprovincial transportation operations.
When the provincial or territorial minimum wage is higher than the federal rate, the higher rate applies to employees who normally work in that province or territory.
The federal table directs employers to pay the higher minimum where that situation applies.
Most workers are instead covered by the employment standards legislation of the province or territory where they work.
Those rules can also include special rates for students, liquor servers, live-in workers, hunting and fishing guides, construction employees or other occupational groups.
What employees and employers should check
Employees should review their pay statements after an increase takes effect and confirm that their hourly earnings meet the applicable legal minimum.
Workers paid a salary, commission or piece rate may still be protected by minimum-wage rules, depending on the jurisdiction and the way their pay is calculated.
Employers should update payroll systems, written compensation information and workplace notices before the effective date.
A wage increase is required when an employee’s rate would otherwise fall below the new minimum, but employers may choose to pay more than the legal floor.
Workers should also check whether overtime, vacation pay, general holiday pay and other entitlements are calculated using the updated wage.
The detailed rules differ between jurisdictions.
What happens next
The next major date in the current federal table is October 1, 2026, when the four provincial increases are scheduled to take effect.
Additional annual adjustments may follow in provinces and territories that link their rates to inflation or other economic measures.
Because minimum-wage rules can change through legislation, regulation or annual indexation, employees and employers should confirm the rate with the relevant provincial, territorial or federal employment standards authority when processing pay.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the federal minimum wage in Canada in 2026?
The federal minimum wage is $18.15 per hour, effective April 1, 2026, for employees in federally regulated sectors.
Which provinces are increasing their minimum wage on October 1, 2026?
Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Ontario and Prince Edward Island are scheduled to increase their general minimum wage rates on October 1, 2026.
What will Ontario’s minimum wage be on October 1, 2026?
Ontario’s general minimum wage will be $17.95 per hour, up from $17.60.
Does the federal minimum wage apply to every worker in Canada?
No. It generally applies to federally regulated industries. Most other employees are covered by the employment standards rules of their province or territory.
What is the highest general minimum wage listed in the current table?
Nunavut has the highest listed general minimum wage at $20.17 per hour, effective September 1, 2026.
Fact-Checked: Key rates and effective dates were checked against the federal minimum wage table and official provincial employment standards sources.
Disclaimer: Minimum wage rules can include special rates and exemptions, so employees and employers should confirm the applicable standard for their industry and jurisdiction.